§ Mr. K. Lindsayasked the Minister of Education what steps she is taking to encourage local education authorities to make use of Clause 53 of the Education Act, 1944, for the purpose of assisting voluntary bodies to run children's clubs and play centres for children under the age of 14.
§ Miss WilkinsonIn Circular 13, dated 10th November, 1944, and in Circular 51, dated 15th June, 1945, copies of which I am sending the hon. Member, local education authorities were reminded of the importance of providing healthy leisure-time activities for school children and of their responsibilities under Section 53 of the Education Act, 1944. Attention was called to the work already done in this field by voluntary bodies, and local education authorities were encouraged to assist and co-operate with them. I attach great importance to the development of this service, and I hope that despite their many other preoccupations, local education authorities will press on with it.