§ 32. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many Scottish schoolchildren in January, 1970, were receiving free school meals.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonWould the hon. Gentleman say what fresh steps he has taken, as he promised, to make sure that children who are in receipt of free school meals are in no way distinguished from other schoolchildren receiving school meals?
Mr. TaylorWe have made crystal clear to local authorities our views on 1279 this matter. I have dealt with this matter previously at Question Time and we are reinforcing this advice.
§ 33. Dr. Dickson Mabonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the number of Scottish schoolchildren who will be entitled to receive free school meals in each of the four years 1971 to 1975.
Mr. Edward TaylorI expect that in 1971, after the new arrangements come into force, the number of children receiving free meals will increase by about one-third and that there may be further increases in the following years.
§ Dr. Dickson MabonDo I take it that this estimate of additional expenditure is being discounted against the so-called savings made in this sphere and that these are firm estimates and targets?
Mr. TaylorIt is impossible to give a firm estimate about the increased number of free meals or of the cost in specific terms. We can say that the new and more generous arrangements which are being introduced will ensure that a larger number of schoolchildren will receive free meals.