HC Deb 24 May 1971 vol 818 cc20-2
24. Mr. Probert

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what effect the increase in charge for school meals has had upon the number of children taking school meals in Wales.

Mr. Peter Thomas

This information is not yet available. It has been estimated that, overall, there will be a fall of about 12 per cent. in the number of children taking meals.

Mr. Probert

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that statistical evidence already shows in other areas a marked decline in the number of children taking school meals and that, in view of these statistics, there is rapidly growing concern on the part of all concerned about the possible effects upon children's health? Therefore, will he do all he can to get his Cabinet colleagues to change this niggardly policy?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I do not know that any statistical evidence at present obtainable is accurate. A survey is being undertaken the result of which will be available in June. The purpose of the survey is to ascertain how much of the fall is due to higher charges or to the normal seasonal decline at this time of year and also to show the effect of the more generous scales for the remission of charges.

Mr. Kinnock

What do the Government propose to do if it is true that the take-up of school meals has fallen since the imposition of higher charges? As the Secretary of State is responsible for part of education in Wales, will he dissociate himself from the remarks and the weird logic of the Secretary of State for Education and Science who in a television programme encouraged the teaching of young children in deceit by going through a charade in presenting dinner money on Monday mornings?

Mr. Peter Thomas

I do not agree with the hon. Gentleman that my right hon. Friend engaged in deceit in any way.

Mr. Kinnock

She encouraged the teaching of it.

Mr. Peter Thomas

My right hon. Friend's programme was greatly appreciated. After the two increases in charges which were made by the previous Administration, which together represented a 75 per cent. increase, the numbers of children taking school meals initially decreased but then rose again, by both numbers and percentage, and at the end there was an increase in the number taking school meals.