§ 10. Mr. GEORGE HALLasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that an examination by the school medical officers reveals that 57 per cent. of the trainees at four junior instruction centres in the County of Glamorgan are suffering from malnutrition; and whether he will take steps to empower the local authorities responsible for these centres to supply meals as well as milk to trainees in attendance?
§ Mr. E. BROWNLocal education authorities have no power to provide ordinary meals in junior instruction centres. Free milk is, however, being provided in the Glamorgan centres, and I am informed that the school medical officer expressed the view that since any food given at the junior instruction centres can only be a casual and temporary addition to the diet of the pupils, the milk available is more useful than any other food which could be suggested in the circumstances. I am, however, making inquiries into the adequacy of the existing arrangements.
§ Mr. HALLWhen the right hon. Gentleman replied to a similar question 616 in December he said that he was then considering the matter. May I put it to him that it is a matter which brooks no delay; that 57 per cent. of the boys and girls at four junior instruction centres have been found to be suffering from malnutrition, and that even one or two meals in a week would be of considerable assistance to them?
§ Mr. BROWNThe question which was put in December was not in this precise form but with the information given by the hon. Member I will make inquiries.