§ 35. Mr. Morleyasked the Minister of Education how many local education authorities have revised their income scales for the provision of free and assisted school dinners since the charge for these was last increased; and what steps she is taking to encourage the revision of such scales by local education authorities which have not yet adjusted them.
§ Miss HorsbrughNinety-eight authorities have revised their income scales since the decision to increase the charge for school dinners to 9d. was announced. It was made clear in my Department's Circular 262, a copy of which I am sending to the hon. Member, that I was willing to consider proposals to do this.
§ Mrs. MannDoes not the right hon. Lady know that the cost of living has fallen? That is asserted in her own party's leaflets. If this bedtime story is correct, why are not the increases in school meals abolished?
§ Miss HorsbrughIf the hon. Lady wants to know whether, if the cost was less, more children would be taking school meals, I think she might consider that the number of children taking free meals has also decreased.
§ 44. Mr. Swinglerasked the Minister of Education how many new school canteens have been constructed in the last 12 months; how many it is proposed to build during the coming year; and what action she is taking to ensure that all kitchens are equipped with modern apparatus.
§ Miss HorsbrughDuring the 12 months ending 30th September, 1953, 518 school canteens were completed at new schools and a further number were provided at existing schools. I am unable to state how many new school canteens will be opened during the present year. The equipment of old canteens is kept up to date by means of replacements as and when necessary.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the right hon. Lady aware that this is a most important way of promoting the higher standards of hygiene for which she recently pleaded?
§ Miss HorsbrughI agree, and I am keeping the matter under review.