65. Mr. T. THOMSONasked the President of the Board of Education whether in those districts where it could be shown that, owing to continued distress caused by prolonged unemployment, the number of children who, on account of lack of food, were unable to take full advantage of the educational training provided, was greater than last year, he would, in those districts, consent, to a smaller proportionate reduction on their last year's expenditure on school feeding being made than in districts where unemployment was not so pronounced?
§ Mr. FISHERIn allocating the limited sum placed at their disposal by Parliament for aiding the provision of 1264 meals by local education authorities, the Board will have regard to all the relevant circumstances of each area, including the extent and incidence of unemployment, subject. always to observance of the principle that it is not proper for a local education authority to incur expenditure on the provision of meals out of the education rate and with the aid of education grants in order to relieve destitution.
Mr. THOMSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that the recent circular sent to the local authorities is causing considerable consternation because it cuts down the very limited amount which they are allowed to spend on food when unemployment is increasing, and can he allow these districts to have a larger proportion of the grant than in those areas where the unemployment is below the average?
§ Mr. FISHERWe shall carefully take into account the circumstances of each particular area. We now have certain areas under our very close consideration.
§ Mr. R. RICHARDSONIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that in certain areas the guardians and the local education authorities are at variance as to whose duty it is to feed the children?