HC Deb 17 December 1970 vol 808 cc1537-8
6. Mr. David Clark

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she proposes to take in the light of complaints addressed to her regarding the unreasonable action of local education authorities over the use of school premises by children eating pre-packed sandwiches for their lunches.

28. Mr. Carter

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what action she proposes to take in the light of complaints addressed to her regarding the unreasonable action of local authorities which levy a charge on those children who eat sandwiches during the lunch period.

Mrs. Thatcher

A few authorities make a small charge for the use of facilities by those who bring sandwiches to school. I have had very few complaints about this, but I will consider with local authority associations whether advice can usefully be given on this matter.

Mr. Clark

Is the Minister aware that this problem will grow in future and that, for example, the N.U.T. has estimated that 500,000 fewer children will be taking school meals as a result of her decision to increase prices? Will she therefore consider this whole matter with more urgency?

Mrs. Thatcher

This matter will be referred to the Joint Working Party on School Meals.

Mr. Carter

Is the right hon. Lady aware that the local education authority in Birmingham is proposing to introduce a charge of 1s. for each child who takes sandwiches to school? Will she bear in mind the remarks of my hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Mr. David Clark) and accept that this problem will be accentuated after April, when more children will not be able to have a hot meal at school because of the increases which have been imposed by the Government?

Mrs. Thatcher

I have pointed out that the matter will be referred to the Joint Working Party on School Meals. I do not think there is anything I can usefully add to that.

Mr. Edward Short

Would the right hon. Lady express an opinion on the legality of this charge? Is it not a fact that local authorities have no authority whatever to levy such a charge?

Mrs. Thatcher

I am advised that the charge is not illegal.

Mr. Carter

In view of the highly unsatisfactory nature of the reply of the Secretary of State for Education and Science to my Question on charges imposed on children for eating sandwiches during lunch periods in schools, I intend to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.

Mr. Speaker

That is what one would call a late development.