§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the recent increase in the cost of living, and the consequent inability of low wage-earners and unemployed persons to purchase an adequate supply of foodstuffs, the Government has considered the urgent need for making more adequate provision out of public funds for free solid meals for scholars attending elementary, central, and secondary schools?
Mr. LindsayThe policy of the Board of Education with regard to the provision of free meals is set out in their Circular 1443, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. If additional provision of free meals is made by local education authorities in accordance with that circular grants in aid of the expenditure will be made by the Board, so that adequate provision out of funds provided by the Exchequer is already avail-1854W Friend has at present no information as to the number of such courses likely to be arranged in future years.