§ 66. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education the number of schools where mid-day meals are available for pupils; and the number of such schools that are without any auxiliary staff employed specifically for the School Meals Service.
§ Mr. VosperIn October, 1954, the latest date for which I have information, school meals were available at 29,140 out of 29,833 maintained schools or departments. The information asked for in the second part of the Question is not available in my Department.
§ 67. Mr. G. Thomasasked the Minister of Education what restrictions he still imposes on local education authorities with regard to the building of school canteens.
§ Mr. VosperLocal education authorities are free to carry out any building project for a canteen costing £1,500 or less. I am prepared to consider proposals costing more than £1,500 which authorities consider to be urgent.