HC Deb 25 June 1941 vol 372 c1042
41. Mr. Thorne

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware of the long-standing necessity for steps to be taken to provide clothing and footwear for children who are unable, by reason of cost of proper footwear and clothing, to attend school, or to take full advantage of the education provided for them; and whether he will make provision to empower local education authorities to supply clothing and footwear to all necessitous children?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Ede)

My right hon. Friend has no evidence that children are unable to attend school or to take full advantage of the education provided for them owing to shortage or inadequacy of clothing and footwear. Powers already exist for providing clothing and footwear for necessitous school children and my right hon. Friend sees no need to introduce legislation to empower local education authorities to make such provision.

Mr. Thorne

Is my hon. Friend aware that the information I have comes from a number of teachers who are engaged in the schools?

Mr. Ede

My right hon. Friend authorises me to say that if the hon. Member has any specific information or evidence on the matter, he will be very happy to consider it.

Mr. Hannah

Has not the National Union of Teachers taken up the matter officially?

Mr. Ede

I should like to see that Question on the Paper.