§ MR. J. JOHNSON (Gateshead)I beg to ask the President of the Board of Education if he is aware of the number of underfed children attending the elementary schools in Gateshead; is he aware that the council refuse to adopt the Act passed to benefit such children; and if he intends to issue any orders or instructions regarding the powers vested in councils to relieve underfed children.
§ MR. RUNCIMANI have no information as to the number of underfed children in Gateshead. I have no power to compel local education authorities to put the Provision of Meals Act into force, but shortly after the Act was passed the Board issued a Circular to all local authorities calling attention to their powers under the Act and to the advantages which might be obtained by exercising them.