§ 53. Mr. Shinwellasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that teachers in the County of Durham are voluntarily contributing towards a fund for the purpose of providing schoolchildren with footwear; that many children are unable to attend school owing to lack of shoes; that, in the opinion of the teachers, the position has become more serious recently owing to prolonged unemployment; and whether he will consider making a grant for the purpose of providing footwear in cases of need?
Mr. LindsayMy attention has not been called to the position in the County of Durham, as stated in the first three parts of the Question. The policy of the Board in this matter is set out in paragraph 10 of their Circular 1450, of which I am sending a copy to the hon. Member. Under the existing law, the Board have no power to authorise expenditure by local education authorities on the purchase of footwear for necessitous schoolchildren or to pay grant in respect of such expenditure. But I will certainly have inquiries made, in view of statements contained in the Question.
§ Mr. ShinwellWill the Parliamentary Secretary have inquiries made from the Director of Education in the county of Durham; and is he aware that the statements contained in my Question were made to me by headmasters of the highest repute?
Viscountess AstorCould my hon. Friend guarantee that, where there is malnutrition, children will get a mid-day meal?