HC Deb 26 June 1952 vol 502 c2407
2. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education whether paragraph 15 of her Circular 250, concerning the stopping of the provision of meals at schools during holidays and on Saturdays, applies to free meals granted in necessitous cases.

Miss Horsbrugh

The paragraph was intended to apply to holiday and Saturday meals without distinction whether they were being provided free or on payment. If an authority are satisfied that the meals cannot be stopped without hardship to the children it is open to them to continue the arrangements.

Mr. Thomas

Is the Minister aware that it is quite impossible to stop free meals for necessitous children without hardship being created? Will she ensure that the disastrous effect that her circular may have on these children will be modified by another letter to the local authorities?

Miss Horsbrugh

Perhaps the hon. Gentleman will study the paragraph to which he refers. It may interest him to know that the majority of children who are taking meals during holidays and on Saturdays are those who pay for them.

Mr. Thomas

While the majority may be so covered, the minority must receive the protection both of this House and of the Minister.