§ 18 and 19. Mr. Malcolm MacMillanasked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) how many schools and schoolchildren there are in the. Outer Islands of Inverness-shire; how many of these schools are providing substantial hot meals for the children; what percentage of the children are not being so served; and is he prepared to meet any special difficulties in this area;
(2) in how many schools in the Island of Lewis are hot full meals provided daily for the children; in how many schools is milk provided daily for the children; what is the total number of children; and how many do not have these benefits?
Mr. JohnstonThe records of these services in the Scottish Education Department are available only for counties as a 1423 whole. I have, however, asked the education authorities of Inverness and Ross and Cromarty for the required details, and I will write to the hon. Member as soon as they are received. The lack of suitable accommodation and labour makes it difficult to arrange a scheme for the supply of hot meals in remote areas, but I will be glad to do anything in my power to overcome any special difficulties in the Outer Islands.