§ 39. Mr. Parkerasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what has been the effect of recent increases in meat prices on the cost of school meals; and what action she proposes to take on the matter.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeMeat costs represent a minor proportion of total school meals costs and the purchasing arrangements of local education authorities vary. It is not therefore possible to estimate the total effect of recent price movements on the cost of school meals.
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§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the percentage subsidy in the actual cost of school meals in June, 1970, and at the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. van StraubenzeeThis information is not available for particular months. In 1970–71, the latest year for which costs are available, the average subsidy was 43 per cent. It is estimated that the comparable figure for 1971–72 was 33 per cent.