Mr. Freemanasked the Minister of Education the number of children in schools under her jurisdiction; the number who are entitled to receive school dinners every day and the number who are actually-doing so; and when it is anticipated that all children will be able to receive a daily meal as authorised in 1940.
§ Miss WilkinsonOn the day of a return made in June last, the number of pupils present in maintained, transitionally assisted and direct grant schools was 4,527,000. It is the intention to provide dinner at school for as many pupils as may desire it, a provisional estimate being 75 percent. The number now receiving dinner is approximately 1,820,000. Satisfactory provision for 75 percent. involves a heavy building programme for the completion of which I am not at present in a position to give a date.