7. Mr. Jegerasked the Minister of Education what is the average cost per meal per child of the school meals service.
§ Mr. TomlinsonIn 1947–48, for England and Wales, the average cost of dinners served to children and staff was 11.8 pence per meal. The net cost, after deducting payments received from parents and others, was 7.6 pence. These figures include the cost of local administration, but not the amortisation of capital expenditure or the supply and replacement of equipment.
§ Mr. SymondsIs my right hon. Friend in a position to give any estimate how soon this meals service will become free, as he intends?
§ Mr. TomlinsonNo, I cannot.