§ Mr. BROMFIELDasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that in Smallthorne, Stoke-on-Trent, where school children have been receiving one meal on five days of the week at 3d. per meal, the education committee have now decided not to provide meals for children of families where the weekly income amounts to 4s. per head; and whether, in view of the hardship 2356W which will be inflicted if this decision is carried out, he will make inquiries into the matter?
§ Lord E. PERCYI have no information as to the action stated to have been taken. The matter is one for the decision of the local authority, and I do not think that I could properly interfere with their discretion.
§ Mr. TINKERasked the President of the Board of Education the number of local authorities who have put into operation the feeding of necessitous school children how many have commenced since the coal-mining dispute started; and haw many children are being fed under this scheme at present?
§ Lord E. PERCYDuring the week ended 17th July, 1926, the latest date for which complete returns are available, 157 authorities were exercising their powers to provide meals, and 258,670 children were being fed. Forty authorities have started to provide meals since the stoppage began.