§ 54. Mr. Shinwellasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that, in the opinion of school-teachers in the county of Durham, the provision of milk at reduced prices or given free is insufficient in many cases to provide adequate nourishment; that many children are attending school showing signs of malnutrition; and whether he will extend the communal kitchen at Bishop Auckland to other districts in the county?
Mr. LindsayI am aware that a considerable proportion of the children attending public elementary schools in the county of Durham show some signs of malnutrition, and that, while provision of free milk has been made on a liberal scale by the local education authority, this is not in all cases sufficient to restore the nutrition of the children to normal. We, therefore, welcome the decision of the authority to provide free dinners for the more serious cases of malnutrition. In addition to the feeding centre at Bishop Auckland, mentioned in the Question, four other centres have already been opened, and I understand that additional centres will be provided at an early date.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Parliamentary Secretary extend the communal kitchen facilities, to which he has referred, to the Seaham district, where, I am credibly informed, there is considerable distress, arising from irregular employment? Will he do so immediately?
Mr. LindsayI can only say that in Durham—more than in any other place—a pint of milk each is being given to large numbers of children every day; and we are asking for an extension of these communal facilities. I have given examples of five extensions, and I will see that action is taken at Seaham.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the hon. Gentleman make a personal inquiry into this matter?
§ Mr. R. J. TaylorWill the rationing system limit the extension of canteens by local authorities?