§ 13. Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received about a possible increase in school meal charges in 1978.
§ Mrs. Shirley WilliamsI have received representations from 34 individuals and organisations urging that there should be no increase in the school meals charge this year.
§ Mr. BottomleyI recognise the reality that the Cabinet and the Department have to face in providing substantially more help to families with children, but will the Secretary of State say whether she would argue for a greater increase in child benefit or a greater subsidy on school meals?
§ Mrs. WilliamsI should not like to be asked to make the choice, but a decision about the level of school meal charges will be announced in the House as soon as possible.
§ Mr. MaddenDoes my right hon. Friend agree that the inevitable consequence of increasing the price of school meals is that fewer children take them? Does not my right hon. Friend also agree that the present charge is a burden on many working men and women? Does she agree that there is little point in giving working men and women more money through tax cuts if school meal charges are to be increased substantially?
§ Mrs. WilliamsMy hon. Friend makes a persuasive case, but he will have to wait for the decision which will be announced.