HC Deb 18 December 1928 vol 223 cc2817-8
Mr. RAMSAY MacDONALD

(by Private Notice) asked the Prime Minister whether the Government have considered if a Financial Resolution is necessary for the Children (Provision of Footwear) Bill; and, if so, what action do the Government propose to take regarding it?

Mr. CHURCHILL

I understand that a Financial Resolution would be necessary. The Prime Minister has asked me to give an answer to the latter part of the right hon. Gentleman's question. The Children (Provision of Footwear) Bill, as Clause 5 indicates, was primarily designed to deal with the distressed mining areas, and the need in those areas will be more effectively met by the Government policy which the Prime Minister announced yesterday. In other areas, there are long-standing arrangements under which boots for school children are provided by recognised voluntary local funds, and the Government are not satisfied that there is any sufficient reason for interfering with these arrangements. They are, therefore, not prepared to give facilities for the Bill.

Mr. CRAWFURD

Is the right lion. Gentleman not perfectly well aware that there are large areas in this country, very remote from the mining areas, where voluntary effort is not nearly adequate to meet the need?