HC Deb 22 February 1951 vol 484 cc227-8W
96. Sir W. Smithers

asked the Minister of Education if he will give instructions to enable the canteen equipment in schools to be used by persons or organisations who hire the school for other purposes than education either gratis or for a small fee.

Mr. Tomlinson

No. The hiring out of school canteen equipment is open to evident objections and would make it impossible for the local education authority to hold their own staff responsible for the condition of the canteen. In some cases it may be practicable to hire out the dining room and furniture, but the extent of any such hiring must, in my view, be left to the discretion of the authority responsible for this service and, in the interests of public funds, an appropriate charge must be made.