§ 43. Dr. Kingasked the Minister of Education figures showing the number of children taking school meals in October, 1956, and at the latest available date since the increased charge.
§ The Minister of Education (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd)3,058,702 last autumn, but the influenza epidemic has so far prevented our getting the comparable figure for this year.
§ Dr. KingWhile welcoming the new Minister of Education to the Dispatch Box and wishing him well in his office, may I ask whether he is aware that the information for which I have asked him is now able to be supplied by a number of local education authorities? My own, in Hampshire, reveals that there has been a decline of 12 per cent. in the number of children taking school meals. If the figures, when we get them, reveal a decline all over the country in the number of children taking part in this very important service, will the Minister consult his right hon. Friends to see what can be done?
§ Mr. LloydThis is a very important service, but my own information from some authorities does not indicate anything like the decline mentioned by the hon. Member.