HC Deb 29 January 1942 vol 377 c914
44. Mr. Lindsay

asked the President of the Board of Education why sanction is refused for providing paid staff for play centres in reception areas?

Mr. Butler

I assume that my hon. Friend refers to the organised leisure-time activities for evacuated children under the supervision of evacuated teachers on the lines suggested in the Board's Circulars 1474 and 1554. This work is a natural and normal function of the evacuated teacher and is generally accepted by teachers as such. I am not aware of any unwillingness of evacuated teachers to give their services for this work.

Mr. Lindsay

Is my right hon. Friend aware that, play centres for munition workers get 100 per cent. grant from the Ministry of Labour, that play centres primarily for local children get 50 per cent. from his own Department, and that play centres for evacuated children get 100 per cent. from the Ministry of Health, and they cannot provide teachers; and as this is the peak age for juvenile delinquency, would it not be as well to encourage the complete provision of play centres for evacuated children?

Mr. Butler

The Question which I was asked concerned remuneration of the staff, and I have given the information in regard to the play centres to which the Question referred. I agree that there is a difference between them and the centres organised for war workers.

Mr. Lindsay

Will the right hon. Gentleman look into that question?

Mr. Butler

Yes, Sir.