HC Deb 22 July 1926 vol 198 cc1394-5
16. Mr. SHORT

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that the Wednesbury Education Committee is not administering the Feeding of Necessitous School Children Act, although the Wednesbury Trades Council has requested them to do so; and will he take steps to secure the application of the Act?

The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of EDUCATION (Lord Eustace Percy)

I have no information as to the position in Wednesbury, except that the authority have not decided to exercise their powers to provide meals. As regards the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member again to the reply given by me on 24th June last to the hon. Member for Chester-le-Street (Mr. Lawson), a copy of which I am sending him.

Mr. SHORT

Will the Noble Lord make some inquiries as to the position in Wednesbury, and the need, if the need exists, for the application of this Act; and, if he finds the requisite evidence, will he use his influence to secure its adoption?

Lord E. PERCY

No, Sir; I cannot use my influence to do something which the Statute places not upon me, but upon the local authority.