School Meals (Potatoes)

HC Deb 12 June 1958 vol 589 cc392-4

25. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Education the response to the circular sent to local education authorities on the need for substitutes for potatoes for school dinners on economy grounds; what were the substitutes suggested; and if he is satisfied that economies warranting the issue of the circular are possible.

Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd

I am sending the hon. Member the detailed information for which he asks but, on the general issue, I am determined to pursue all sensible economies wherever this can be done without damage to the children's health or education.

Mr. Dodds

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that experts state that it is fantastic to suggest that rice or spaghetti can be substituted for potatoes as an economy measure? May we have an assurance that the main purpose of the circular was to have bread substituted for potatoes? Will the right hon. Gentleman again give an assurance that the health of the children will not be endangered by the desire for economies, and that the standards of school meals will not be lowered?

Mr. Lloyd

I think that this was really only sensible housekeeping in respect of school meals. Because of the circumstance of the bad crop of potatoes, the price rose. I have no doubt that individual housewives made their own adjustments. It was our responsibility, because an extra expenditure of upwards of £750,000 might have been involved, to ascertain whether a reasonable economy could be achieved. We received suggestions from some of the local authorities themselves, and we thought it was right to make this suggestion quickly to all the local authorities.

Dr. Stross

Will the Minister accept that the principal source for school children of vitamin C in their diet is potatoes, and that no alternative of which we know is of any use whatsoever as a substitute for vitamin C?

Mr. Lloyd

I should not like to enter into a medical discussion with the hon. Gentleman about vitamin C. but oranges are also an important source of vitamin C. We have, after all, to remember that this was only a temporary change which would obviously be put right as the season proceeded. I would offer hon. Members and also the children the encouragement that we are entering the new potato season. Although I would assure hon. Members that we do not buy the very high-priced early potatoes, nevertheless, early new potatoes will fairly soon be appearing in school meals.