HC Deb 22 January 1948 vol 446 cc68-9W
106. Mr. G. Roberts

asked the Minister of Education if he is aware that Addendum No. 7 (12th January, 1948), to Administrative Memorandum (4th November, 1941), which notifies local education authorities that in order to qualify for canteen facilities youth clubs and organisations must be able to show a membership of which not less than 90 per cent. consists of persons up to and including the age of twenty years, will militate against the success of many genuine youth organisations, particularly Young Farmers' Clubs, in rural districts where no effective youth service is possible unless the age limit is fixed at 25 or even 30; and whether he will withdraw this ruling.

Mr. George Tomlinson

The instruction in question was agreed between my Department and the Ministry of Food. The nutritional needs of growing boys and girls are the sole justification for the special canteen facilities available to youth clubs sponsored by local education authorities. These facilities provide a special allowance of food intended for the benefit of youth only and it would not be possible to justify granting them to clubs with more than a nominal adult membership.