HC Deb 02 August 1951 vol 491 cc269-70W
Mr. M. MacMillan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what number of school children in each of the islands of the Outer Hebrides are taking school meals; which schools are still not enjoying this service; and which of these are to have local canteens or meals supplied by other means respectively.

Mr. McNeil

In June last the number of school children who were receiving school dinners in each of the Islands of the Outer Hebrides was as follows:

Lewis: Twenty-four schools provided dinner to 2,760 pupils. Lunches, light meals or soup were supplied to pupils in 11 schools. No provision was made for the supply of meals at Lochcroistean and Grimshader Primary Schools.

Harris: Twelve schools provided dinner to 418 pupils. Light meals were supplied to pupils in four schools. No provision was made for the supply of meals at Drinishader, Scarp, Rhenigidale and Luskentyre Primary Schools.

North Uist: Seven schools provided dinner to 238 pupils. Light meals were supplied to pupils in three schools. At Lochportan Primary School where no meals were supplied, a kitchen and dining room is being built.

South Uist: Seven schools provided dinner to 269 pupils. Light meals were provided at three schools. No provision was made for the supply of meals at East Gerinish, Locheynort and South Glendale.

Benbecula: Light meals only were provided at all three schools.

Barra: All seven schools provided dinners to 290 pupils.

Proposals have been approved for new kitchens and dining rooms at Laxdale, Lemreway, Gravir, Planasker, Cromore and Kershader in Lewis where light meals only are provided at present, but their erection has been postponed in view of the Government's decision to curtail the expansion of the school meals service.