28. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Education the number of cases of new clothing and foot wear, respectively, supplied to necessitous school children in England and Wales by the public assistance committee, the Assistance Board and the education committees, respectively, in the 15 months ending 31st March, 1941?
§ Mr. RamsbothamLocal education authorities have no power under the Education Acts to provide clothing and footwear to necessitous children. Arrangements are, however, made by education authorities under the auspices of the Ministry of Health to supply evacuated children in case of need with clothing and footwear from voluntary and other funds. Provision made by public assistance committees or by the Assistance Board does not fall within the purview of my Department.
29. Mr. David Adamsasked the President of the Board of Education what steps he is proposing to ensure that necessitous schoolchildren in England and Wales, like those in Scotland, have ample provision made for footwear and clothing for the ensuing winter season?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given to the hon. Member for Plaistow (Mr. Thorne) on 25th June.
Mr. AdamsWould the Minister be good enough to say why there should be preferential treatment granted to Scotland?
§ Mr. RamsbothamI do not think there is any question of preferential treatment for Scotland. This matter is dealt with in England under a different regulation.
§ Mrs. HardieIs it not the case that this provision is paid for by Scottish ratepayers and not by the Government?