HC Deb 06 February 1969 vol 777 cc572-3
28. Mr. Dance

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average amount spent by local education authorities per child per day in secondary schools on equipment; and how this compares with the amount of the subsidy per child per day in respect of school meals.

Mr. Edward Short

The amount for equipment is estimated at 10d. The subsidy for school meals is 1s. 1d. The former figure includes expenditure on library and text books, materials and stationery.

Mr. Dance

Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that children go to school to learn, and does not he agree that those parents who can afford to pay for their children at school should be encouraged to do so, and that more money should be allocated for equipment and books?

Mr. Short

On the semantics of this, children go to school to be educated, and they have bodies as well as minds, and bodies are equally important. But I agree that there are great inequalities which ought to be ironed out.

I have collected four new items from the other side of the House this afternoon for bids for additional expenditure.