Mr. David Adams:

asked the Minister of Health what is the number of cases of new clothing and footwear, respectively, supplied to necessitous school children in England and Wales by the public assistance committee, the Assistance Board and the education committees, respectively, in the 15 months ended 31st March, 1941?

I regret that this information is not available.

Mr. Adams:

Cannot the information be made available to us, as it is in the hands of the local authorities concerned?

I am reluctant to burden local authorities with demands for more returns than I can help. There are already serious protests coming from them about the number of returns they are being asked to make.