Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906

Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906

One of the best known pieces of legislation passed during the Liberal Government was the Education (Provision of Meals) Act of 1906. Introduced as a private members bill by a Labour Party MP, this act provided Free School Meals for children most in need.

The provision of meals as set out in the act was means tested. This meant that the meals were only available to those with the greatest financial need. The act however did not make it compulsory for local authorities to implement the provision of free school meals. Consequently, provision varied over the country.

Despite it’s limitations the act led to the increase in the number of children being fed a healthy meal each school day.

Modern Britain: The Liberal Reforms 1906 – 1914

Trade Disputes Act 1906 – Workmens Compensation Act 1906 – Merchant Shipping Act 1906 – Education (Provision of Meals) Act 1906 – Education (Administrative Provisions) Act 1907 – Matrimonial Causes Act 1907 – Coal Mines Regulation Act 1908 – Children’s and Young Persons Act (Children’s Charter) 1908 – Old Age Pensions Act 1908 – Labour Exchange Act 1909 – Trade Board Act 1909 – Housing and Town Planning Act 1909 – National Insurance Act 1911 – Shops Act 1911 – Coal Mines (Minimum Wage) Act 1912