HC Deb 29 June 1910 vol 18 cc933-4
Mr. KEIR HARDIE

asked whether a local education authority had power under the Education (Provision of Meals) Act, 1906, to feed necessitous children whose names were on the rolls of elementary schools on days when such schools may be closed; and whether the Board of Education had power to sanction the feeding of such children on such days under Section 13 of the Education (Administrative Provisions) Act, 1907, which empowered a local education authority to make such arrangements as may be sanctioned by the Board of Education for attending to the health and physical condition of the children attending public elementary schools?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

With regard to the first part of the question, I must refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my right hon. Friend the President of the Local Government Board to the hon. Member for the West Division of Leeds on 21st April. The answer to the second part of the question is in the negative.

Mr. KEIR HARDIE

Is it intended to introduce legislation to enable education authorities to do as suggested in the question?

Mr. RUNCIMAN

No, I cannot say I have anything on the stocks at present.