HC Deb 10 November 1975 vol 899 cc489-90W
Mr. Moonman

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will publish a list in the Official Report of the number of local authorities who have not yet submitted details of comprehensive education plans at the latest date for which figures are available; and what action he proposes to take.

Miss Joan Lestor

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by my predecessor to a Question by my hon.

Pupils receiving free milk on grounds of age Pupils receiving free milk on grounds of health
Number (000) Percentage of eligible pupils in attendance Number (000) Percentage of pupils in attendance in the eligible age groups
1970 4,023 91.3
1971 1,798 94.9 27 1.1
1972 1,815 95.0 82 3.1
1973 1,805 95.0 84 3.1
1974 1,814 95.1 72 2.7

Figures are based on an annual census taken on a day in October each year.

Figures for 1975 are not yet available.

I am sending the hon. Member details of the numbers of pupils in each local education authority area taking free milk in October 1974.

Mr. D. E. Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is his estimate of the increase in the numbers eligible for free milk from 17th November in Great Britain and the English regions; what plans he has to Friend the Member for Gravesend (Mr. Ovendon) on 22nd May.—[Vol. 892, c. 563.] Of the authorities in that list Cheshire and Stockport have now submitted complete responses to Circular 4/74.

In September I consulted local authority associations and the national bodies responsible for voluntary aided schools in England and Wales about the form possible legislation might take to abolish selection in secondary education. Later I had discussions with representatives of these bodies. I am now considering the views they put forward.

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