HC Deb 24 October 1968 vol 770 cc1564-5
9. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the estimated annual cost of the decision to allow school meals to be provided free of charge for larger families.

Mr. Edward Short

Approximately £4 million in a full year.

Mr. Hunt

Is it not financial madness to make this provision entirely regardless of parental income? Is the Minister aware that this decision is costing Bromley Council an extra £36,000 a year, which means that if the borough is to adhere to the Government's directives for economy, there will have to be corresponding cuts in other and more essential and worthwhile services?

Mr. Short

I will bear in mind the fact that the hon. Gentleman is not in favour of this. If I have anything to announce or any other matter on which to comment, I will do so to the House.

Mr. McNamara

Is my right hon. Friend aware that to entitle the fourth child of any family to free school meals, whatever the child's age, is one of the most important ways adopted by the Department to get over the disabilities which pupils felt in the past about having free meals?

Mr. Short

I appreciate that there are differing opinions about this. Meals would be available free to children who are in need, in any case. This is a matter which we must keep in mind.

35. Mr. Longden

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied with the operation of his recent scheme for free meals in schools; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Short

I have this matter under constant review.

Mr. Longden

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that children of several parents who could perfectly well afford this meal are getting it free, whereas some who genuinely cannot afford it are not getting it under present conditions? May I welcome this statement that he is looking into it?

Mr. Short

I did not say that I was looking into it specifically. I said that I kept this matter constantly under review. If the hon. Gentleman knows of any children who ought to be getting free school meals, perhaps he would let me know. We have taken a considerable number of steps recently to bring this to the notice of parents.