§ 26. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Labour how many junior instruccion centres there are in Lancashire; and the number of juveniles attending these centres in Wigan, Leigh, and St. Helens?
§ The MINISTER of LABOUR (Mr. Oliver Stanley)Twenty-eight junior instruction centres and classes are open in Lancashire. The average daily attendance during the week ending 13th March was: At Wigan 324, at Leigh 77, and at St. Helens 134. Schemes in all three boroughs for the provision of substantial additional accommodation are in active preparation.
§ 27. Mr. TINKERasked the Minister of Labour whether any local authorities provide a free meal to students who put in full-time attendance at junior instruction centres; and whether such expenditure is recognised as authorised expenditure and recoverable from the Treasury?
§ Mr. STANLEYI am advised that local education authorities have no power to provide meals for unemployed boys and girls attending junior instruction centres. The latter part of the question accordingly does not arise. I may add that milk may be supplied at cheap rates, as in schools, under the milk marketing scheme. In England and Wales, milk may be supplied free as medical treatment.
§ Mr. TINKERAs these instruction centres are now part of the policy of every Government, cannot something be done on the lines of the system of meals for school children for those attending the centres?
§ Mr. STANLEYThat question raises important points which have been under consideration, but I do not think that I can deal with them by way of question and answer.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not usual for the Ministry of Labour and the Education Department to lay the blame for these difficulties on one another, and in view of the recommendation of one of the commissioners, cannot the Departments get together and overcome the obstacle?
§ Mr. STANLEYMy hon. Friend the Parliamentary Secretary and I are always together.