HC Deb 03 May 1922 vol 153 cc1330-1
48. Mr. TREVELYAN THOMSON

asked the Prime Minister what steps the Government propose to take to provide for the feeding of those school children who, in the current year, will be deprived of the opportunity of getting meals at school owing to the decision of the Board of Education to reduce the expenditure on school meals which is to be recognised for grant by the sum of £730,000 during the year 1922–23?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

The general view of the Government was explained in the answer given by the President of the Board of Education on 4th April to my hon. Friend the Member for North New- castle. There is no reason at all why the Poor Law authorities should not arrange with the local education authorities to pay the cost of school meals supplied to children of parents who are in receipt of outdoor relief. I believe that an expenditure by the local education authorities of £300,000 will amply cover all the provision of meals which properly falls within the scope of the Act, and when supplemented by contributions from the guardians will meet the needs of the case.

Mr. THOMSON

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that if meals are provided by the guardians the whole cost will come on the rates, whereas under the education authority half is borne by the Treasury? Is he also aware that what he suggests would penalise the local authorities to the extent of £365,000 additional on the rates?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

My best answer to the supplementary and argumentative question is that it cannot be proper that the Vote's of the Board of Education should be used in relief of the poor rate.

Captain W. BENN

Have not these Votes hitherto borne this very necessary and proper charge, and why should any change be made to the detriment of the poor districts?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

Undoubtedly a charge was being placed upon the Board of Education Votes which was never contemplated by the Act itself.

Mr. MYERS

Are we to understand that the feeding of school children in future will only be for those children whose parents are in receipt of Poor Law relief?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

That is not what I said. If the hon. Member will read what I said, he will see that that is not what I said.