23. Mr. TYSON WILSONasked the President of the Board of Education whether his attention has been drawn to the action of the Newport Education Committee in striking 400 children from the list of those previously receiving free meals; whether he is aware that this action on the part of the committee has given rise to considerable feeling in the locality; and whether he will make representations to the committee on the matter?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Herbert Lewis)From the information received by the Board it appears that the number of children fed during November, 1915, was about 270 as compared with about 720 in November, 1914. The decrease, the greater part of which occurred in the first half of last year, is, so far as I am aware, due to ordinary causes, such as improved trade, which have operated in the same direction over the whole country. I will, however, make inquiries and let the hon. Member know.