HC Deb 29 January 1953 vol 510 c1175
20. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Education whether the increase to 9d. in the price of school meals applies to all children of the same family receiving school meals.

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, Sir, except in the case of those families qualifying on the income scale of a local education authority for free or partially free meals.

Mr. Chetwynd

Does not that statement mean that instead of increasing the price of school meals by 2d. the increase in a large number of cases has actually been 3d. because the second and third child of a family now obtain their meals at 1d. less than the full rate? Does not this mean an increase, for a family of three, of 3s. 4d. a week, and does not that impose a hardship on many families?

Miss Horsbrugh

I think the hon. Member has misunderstood the matter. The scales remain the same and whatever arrangements have been made will continue; but I quite agree that more parents may come into the group which should not pay the full amount.

Mr. Fernyhough

Will the right hon. Lady assure the House that if, after this increase becomes operative, she finds a substantial reduction in the number of children taking school meals, she will reintroduce the old charge?

Miss Horsbrugh

I shall watch the situation very carefully and compare the figures for one year with those for another.