Mr. HEALYasked the Chief Secretary for Ireland whether he has received representations from the School Meals Committee of the City of Cork representing their want of funds to enable them to continue their work; whether he is aware that the 1d. rate struck by the Corporation will this year only enable provision to be made for forty-eight days, whereas last year the Committee were able to make provision for seventy days and the year before seventy-eight days; and whether, in view of the exceptional distress at present 2050W existing in the city and the probability of a trying winter season, he will take steps to enable the Committee to continue its work by a liberal grant?
§ Mr. DUKEThe Local Government Board have received representations from the corporation of Cork that the provision for supplying meals to necessitous school children is inadequate, and that the 1d. rate for the purpose would only enable meals to be provided for forty-eight days during the coming winter, whereas last year meals were provided for seventy days, and the previous year for seventy-eight days. There does not appear to be any exceptional distress at present in Cork city. The returns during the past three months show considerable decrease, and the figures are less than in the corresponding three months of last year. I am informed that there is a decrease in unemployment due to the number of men who have joined the Army as Reservists or Volunteers and the number who have obtained employment as munition workers. I am introducing a Bill to enable further funds to be provided for feeding necessitous school children in Ireland.