§ 36. Flight-Lieutenant Beswickasked the Minister of Education if she is aware that school meals at the Oak Farm School, Hillingdon, and the Swakeleys Senior School, Ickenham, are to be cut down; and, in so far as this is in order to relieve present overwork of teaching staff, what steps have been taken to secure part-time supervisory staff.
§ Miss WilkinsonOwing to the increasing demand for meals at the four schools served by the Oak Farm central kitchen, it has become necessary to give priority to the children whose needs for meals is greatest. I am assured that this step is due solely to the great overloading of the kitchen and that the total number of meals supplied will not be cut down The number of meals cannot, however, be increased until the proposals which the authority are now preparing have been carried out. The appointment of part-time supervisory staff would not enable any greater number of children to be supplied with meals
§ Flight-Lieutenant BeswickIf the facts are proved to my right hon. Friend that school meals are being cut down from 400-odd to 152, will she undertake to look into the question again?
§ Miss WilkinsonOf course, but as things are I doubt my hon. and gallant Friend's figures. I will look into them.
§ 39. Mr. Lipsonasked the Minister of Education what is the percentage of pupils in schools under her jurisdiction having school dinners; and what further steps she is taking to increase it in view of the present food position
§ Miss WilkinsonOn the day of the return in October last 39.5 per cent. of pupils present in grant-aided primary and secondary schools had school dinners. Every effort is being made to expedite proposals for new canteens and kitchens.
§ Mr. LipsonCan the Minister say to what extent this unsatisfactory percentage is due to the fact that there are not enough facilities for school dinners?
§ Miss Wilkinson1 can assure the hon. Gentleman that 39.5 per cent. is a very good percentage indeed, considering the appalling difficulties of wartime equipment.