I was more looking at it from the perspective that MAYBE the tardy student was late due to uncontrollable circumstances. Lecturers are there to help after all, and if the students feels remorse for being late and cares enough about their education to enquire about what they missed, why shouldn't they help?
"Sorry I was late, sir. Was there anything important that I missed?"
"Well we went through *insert initial topic here*. If you read through the lecture notes as well as looking for extra information in your textbook, I am sure you won't be disadvantaged."
Just something simple like that. I don't think that's spoon feeding.