§ Mr. Grovesasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he has given consideration to the resolution passed by the Mansfield Education Committee, and supported by many other local authorities, to the effect that the various evacuation schemes have 333W brought to view the necessity for the provision of clothing and footwear for children who are unable by reason of the lack of such to attend school; and whether he will consider making provision to empower local educational authorities to supply clothing and footwear to such children?
§ Mr. LindsayThe question of the provision of clothing and footwear for evacuated school children has been dealt with in the Ministry of Health's Circular 1907, while, as regards local children, the policy of the Board is set out in paragraph 10 of their Circular 1450. I am sending copies of these documents to the hon. Member. It should be possible by means of the procedure indicated in these circulars to secure the provision of clothing and footwear for all children whose parents are unable to provide them, and it is not thought necessary or desirable to introduce legislation empowering local education authorities to make such provision.