§ 23. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to what extent the food in school meals is subsidised; and what the effect will be of the reduction in food subsidies on the total cost of the service.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Scotland (Mr. Henderson Stewart)The food in school meals is subsidised to the same extent as other food. There will be some additional cost, but it is not yet possible to estimate how much this will be.
§ Mr. HamiltonWill the Minister inform the House whether the increased cost which is inevitable will be passed on in toto to the parents of the children getting meals at school at the moment?
§ Mr. StewartAs the hon. Member knows, the average cost of food per meal is at present about 8d. and the maximum charge on the parents is now 7d. The balance and overhead costs of the service are met by Exchequer grant. No increase in prices to parents is proposed at present.
§ Mr. HamiltonThe hon. Gentleman says, "proposed at present." Does that mean that any increase is contemplated in the near future?
§ Mr. StewartThere is no increase contemplated, but we can give no guarantee for the future.
§ Mr. HamiltonNo guarantee before the local elections.