HC Deb 13 April 1967 vol 744 cc1353-5
23. Mr. Biffen

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he has now concluded his study of the recommendations on the cost of school meals, made by the Estimates Committee; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Crosland

I am still considering the recommendations of the Estimates Committee.

Mr. Biffen

While the right hon. Gentleman is still in the process of considering, will he take this opportunity to acknowledge that a formidable body of evidence has been presented to him by the Estimates Committee and bear in mind the widespread anxiety that he should come to a speedy conclusion on the subject?

Mr. Crosland

I have, naturally, read the Report of the Estimates Committee on this subject with the greatest possible attention and I accept the strength of the arguments adduced by that Committee. I must, however, point out, as I have done on previous occasions to the House, that this is an extraordinarily intricate question raising not merely educational but also profound social issues. Anybody in my position who tried to hasten his inquiry into this matter would be very foolish.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Will my right hon. Friend take note of the far larger body of opinion that money spent on children's school meals is the best possible way in which money could be spent?

Mr. Crosland

I certainly take note of the fact, and have already done so, that this is a highly controversial matter raising complicated considerations. Very differing opinions are held on it.

Mr. Boyd-Carpenter

If funds are short, as plainly they are, would not the money which is spent on subsidising the meals of children of better-off parents be better spent in improving family allowances for the larger families, who receive no help or hope in the Chancellor's Budget?

Mr. Crosland

That goes well beyond anything that was said in the Report of the Estimates Committee, which did not propose a particular change in the charges, It pointed out that the cost had increased considerably, as we know, and it urged me—and I have accepted the invitation—to look into the matter very carefully.