HC Deb 11 November 1926 vol 199 cc1244-5
30. Captain PETER MACDONALD

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been called to the announcement that the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians has decided that no boy under its charge shall now, or in the future, be allowed to enter the Army or Navy; whether he is aware that boys under its control wish to enter the Services; and whether he can take any action to ensure that these children are given a chance of following the career they desire?

31. Mr. H. WILLIAMS

asked the Minister of Health if his attention has been drawn to the decision of the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians to the effect that no boys under their care will be permitted to join the Army and Navy; if a board of guardians are empowered to deprive such boys of their freedom of choice of occupation; and, if not, what steps, if any, he proposes to take?

35. Sir F. HALL

asked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the decision of the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians not to allow any boys under their control to join any of His Majesty's Forces; and if he will state what steps he proposes to take to prevent authorities entrusted with the expenditure of public money adopting such a policy?

Sir K. WOOD

My right hon. Friend's attention has not previously been drawn to such a decision on the part of this board of guardians, but he will inquire into the matter.

Sir F. HALL

If we put down a question again this day week, will my hon. Friend be in a position to give a reply, in view of the important question this raises?

Mr. WALLHEAD

In view of the wretched condition of many discharged soldiers and sailors, does the hon. Member not think that the Bethnal Green Board of Guardians are justified in what they are doing?

Sir WILLIAM DAVISON

May we take it that the facts are as stated in the question, and that the Minister will take immediate steps to stop national funds going to bodies whose whole object is to strike at the nation?

Mr. MACLEAN

When the hon. Member is making inquiries into this matter, will he also inquire whether this board of guardians or other boards of guardians will make provision for boys or girls under their charge receiving the necessary facilities to give them a university education?

Sir F. HALL

I beg to give notice that I will repeat the question this day week.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the hon. Member, in making inquiries, inquire how many boys are involved, and whether a board of guardians has any jurisdiction over boys whose parents are alive?

Sir K. WOOD

I can assure the House that my right hon. Friend will make the earliest possible inquiry into this matter, the gravity of which he fully appreciates. I will endeavour to get a reply to the hon. and gallant Member for Dulwich (Sir F. Hall) on the day mentioned.

Several other hon. Members having risen

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot debate the matter.