§ Mr. G. Griffithsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will give the names of those local education authorities which are providing school meals in secondary schools, distinguishing free from other meals, and stating the number of meals provided; and whether any free meals are provided with rate and /or Exchequer aid?
Mr. LindsayI regret that this information is not at present available, but I have asked for returns to be made in the autumn by all the grant-earning secondary schools showing what arrangements they make for providing meals at the school, either free of cost to the pupil, or on payment in whole or in part. Local education authorities can and do contribute the whole or part of the cost of meals when satisfied that the financial circumstances of the parents do not admit of payment by them. Such expenditure by the authority is eligible for grant from the Board at the rate of 50 per cent.