asked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if he is aware of the difficulties that have arisen in Glasgow and the West of Scotland in regard to the feeding of necessitous school children and that the educational progress of over 10,000 children is being seriously hindered through malnutrition; and whether he will take the necessary steps to remove the obstacles in the way of education authorities carrying out their duty in this matter?

My Noble Friend is aware that difficulties have arisen in Glasgow as to the feeding of necessitous school children. He is unable to accept the figure which the hon. Member mentions, but he is considering the situation most carefully with a view to ascertaining whether, within his existing powers, he can be of assistance in adjusting the difficulties.