HC Deb 10 February 1949 vol 461 cc96-7W
Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Education how many school canteen places were provided during 1948 and 1947, respectively.

Mr. Tomlinson

Figures in the form requested are not available, but 1,216 additional canteens were provided in the year ended October, 1947, compared with the previous year, and 285,000 additional children were taking dinner on the census day in that month; similar figures for 1948 are 1,013 additional canteens and 183,000 additional children taking dinner.

Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Education how many children are receiving meals in schools; what percentage of these are paid; and what is the total annual income derived from these payments.

Mr. Tomlinson

On the day of the return in October, 1948, 2,742,000 pupils in grant-aided schools had dinner and some 35,000 had breakfast or tea at school. 88 per cent. of the diners in maintained and assisted schools paid towards the cost of their meal. Local education authorities' estimates in April, 1948, of the total income expected from pupils' and staff payments for school meals in 1948–49 totalled £9,422,000.

Mr. Piratin

asked the Minister of Education what is the estimated number of persons required by the L.C.C. as outside assistants in the school meals service; and how many are actually so employed.

Mr. Tomlinson

As I have already explained to the hon. Member, I have not asked the London County Council or other authorities to furnish me with such figures.