§ 4. Mr. William Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on how many occasions in the last 12 months the joint working party on school meals has sat; and how soon the report is expected on the changes being made by certain local education authorities on children eating sandwiches at school.
§ Mrs. ThatcherAs I have been able to consult the local authority associations by other means, I have not found it necessary to call together the Joint Working Party, which has met once in the last 12 months. I shall shortly be advising authorities by circular not to impose a charge of this kind in present circumstances.
§ 43. Mr. Ashtonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate her Department has made of the likely percentage reduction in demand for school dinners in Nottinghamshire when the price is increased to 2s. 5d. in April, 1971.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThe local education authority estimates that when the price is raised to 2s. 5d. about 15 per cent. of the children who now pay for their school meal will cease to take it.
§ Mr. Hardyasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what advice has been or will be given to local education authorities to assist in the discouragement of pupils from obtaining such 412W alternatives to school meals as lack balanced and nutritive quality.
§ Mrs. ThatcherNone. This is a matter for parents.