HC Deb 03 May 1939 vol 346 cc1900-2W
Mr. T. Morris

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether the feeding system for children in all State-aided schools is specifically investigated by representatives of his Department; whether he is satisfied with the system; and how many representations have been made to local education authorities on this subject by his Department?

Mr. Lindsay

The arrangements for the provision of meals for children attending State-aided schools are investigated from time to time by the inspectors and medical officers of the Board, including their inspector of provision of meals arrangements. I am unable to give a specific answer to the second part of the question as there is no one feeding system; the arrangements are satisfactory in some places and unsatisfactory in others. Representations on this subject have been made to local education authorities for many years past, but as the arrangements have in some areas been in existence for over 30 years it would not be possible to state the total number of representations made during that period. As I have stated in reply to previous questions, the Board are at present investigating the position in all areas and making representations to the local education authorities when these are found to be necessary.