§ 33. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland to state in detail the reasons for recent increases in the normal charge for children's school dinners in Scotland; what reasons will be considered sufficient to justify adjust- 1648 ments in these charges to avoid hardship to parents; who will hear and determine the validity and cogency of these reasons; how many children will be affected by the increases and the adjustments, respectively; and what financial savings will result from these increases and adjustments in Scotland.
§ Mr. Henderson StewartThe increase was made after a full review of all the circumstances in which account was taken of the rise in the cost of providing the meals and the need for economy in public expenditure. The arrangements for the granting of remissions are for the education authorities; and my right hon. Friend has asked them to ensure that they are adequate to remove any financial hardship that may be caused by the increase. According to the latest returns, 295,000 pupils were taking midday meals, and the charges were being remitted or reduced in over 65,000 cases. It is estimated that the financial saving in Scotland will be about £250,000.
§ Mr. HughesIn regard to that part of my Question which asks for the cogency and validity of the reasons to be advanced, will the Minister arrange for these questions to be decided by the mothers of the children in each area?
§ Mr. StewartI am well aware of the spirit behind that Question, and I share it. I do not want to see one child who needs a meal being deprived of that meal.