§ Mr. DAWESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether, in view of the distress caused by the coal strike, he will exercise the powers given to him by The Local Government Expenses Act, 1887, and authorise local education authorities to provide meals for necessitous children during the continuation of the strike, and for such time afterwards as he may consider necessary, on days when the schools are not open?
§ Sir WILLIAM BYLESasked the President of the Local Government Board whether he has received communications from teachers and others urging the necessity of providing free meals for school children on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on school days; what reply has been sent; and if in any way he can ensure that meals will also be provided for necessitous children during the Easter holidays?
§ Mr. BURNSThe point has occasionally been raised in communications addressed to my Department. A Bill has been introduced with a view to altering the law, but its passage does not rest with me.