§ 29. Mr. STEPHENasked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, whether he proposes to withdraw Circular 51 of the Scottish Education Department, in view of the unfortunate position in which it has placed education authorities and parish councils with regard to the feeding of necessitous children?
§ Sir J. BAIRDAs Circular 51 simply conveys the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown for Scotland as to the legal position in regard to the feeding of necessitous children, my Noble Friend does not see that any practical advantage could be gained from its withdrawal.
§ Mr. STEPHENWill the right hon. Baronet make inquiries as to the condition of the children in the industrial areas, owing to the parish councils and the education authorities trying to shift the burden of providing for these children on to other shoulders?
§ Sir J. BAIRDWill the hon. Member please put down a question.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONWill the right hon. Baronet state what the Government are prepared to do if it is proved that the circular is really withholding certain rights of education authorities who are desirous of feeding necessitous children?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe circular, as stated in the question, simply contains the opinion of the Law Officers of the Crown as to the legal position, in order that the 2574 legal opinion may be known by the authorities.