provision of free meals and milk in view of the increase in the cost of living. In the concluding paragraph of the Circular all Authorities are asked to submit their proposals for increased provision under the various heads of the Circular. Reference is made throughout to the vital importance of maintaining the nutrition of children in war-time and to the urgency of the question, especially as regards the need for provision for the children of mothers employed on war work. 4. I hope that the financial inducement offered by the increased rates of grant will secure a considerable response to this Circular, but it should be remembered that there are 315 Local Education Authorities in England and Wales, that they vary widely in efficiency, and that many of them are slow to take action.