§ 13. Mr. Roy Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he is satisfied with the nutritional value of school meals in Wales; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Gibson-WattRevised nutritional standards were brought into operation from the commencement of the summer term, 1966. Catering advisers appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science continue to maintain close supervision of the school meals service and are available to advise local education authorities.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Minister aware that a recent survey of schools in South-East England showed that the nutritional standards of school meals were well below the standards set by the Department of Health and Social Security? Why did not the Minister conduct a similar investigation in Wales before he agreed to the raising of the price of school meals and doing away with free milk for small children at school?
§ Mr. Gibson-WattAdvice to local education authorities on nutritional standards of school dinners was given in a circular on 26th January, 1966. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science and my right hon. and learned Friend have together set up a committee representative of local authorities' and teachers' interests to review the aims and organisation of the meals and refreshment services in schools.