§ 16. Mr. Morleyasked the Minister of Education the number of day pupils taking dinner at school in October, 1953, 1956 and October, 1954, respectively; what each represents as a percentage of the total number of children in attendance and how many schools; and what departments are still without school meals facilities.
§ Mr. VosperAs the answer contains a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. MorleyIn view of the fact that the figures, when printed, will show that there has been a decline in the number of children taking school meals as compared with the number last year, will the Minister say whether he thinks that is regrettable, in view of the value that the school meals are to the children's health? What action does he propose to take to see that all schools provide school meals?
§ Mr. VosperThe hon. Member is mistaken. The percentage of children taking school dinners has gone up in the year in question, and the number of schools where no such facilities are available has dropped by over 100 in the year in question.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs there still a ban on schools building accommodation for the serving of school meals, or has the ban been removed?
§ Mr. VosperThat is a separate question, but we are willing to consider any proposals in that connection.
§ Following is the answer:
| ENGLAND AND WALES | ||
| — | October, 1953 | October, 1954 |
| The number of children in maintained and assisted schools having dinners | 2,679,723 | 2,795,399 |
| Percentage of the total number of children in attendance having dinners | 45.1 | 45.8 |
| Number of maintained and assisted schools or departments:— | ||
| (a) having meals facilities | 28,679 | 29,140 |
| (b) having no such facilities | 799 | 693 |