HC Deb 23 November 1972 vol 846 cc454-5W
48. Mr. Fry

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the latest figure for the number of children receiving free school meals, and the comparable figure for September, 1970.

Mrs. Thatcher

The latest complete figure is for October, 1971, when 805,000 children were getting free school meals. Partial returns from the census taken last month indicate that the figure is now approaching 850,000. The comparable figure for September, 1970, was 627,000.

Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will now postpone any further increases proposed in the cost of school meals.

Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether she will now suspend the increases in the prices of school dinners due to operate in April, 1973.

Mrs. Thatcher

The 2p increase in the price of the school dinner due to come into effect on 1st April, 1973, will be among the matters considered in the light of plans for implementing the second stage of the Government's policy for countering inflation. An announcement will be made as early as possible.