§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) if he will authorise a national survey of school catering departments;
(2) if he is satisfied that his Department's protein and calory targets for school meals are being met by school catering departments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy right hon. Friend has no present plans for such a survey. The advice on nutritional standards issued by the Department is intended to assist local education authorities in carrying out their duty to provide on every school day a midday dinner suitable in all respects as the main meal of the day. I have reason to believe that the great majority of authorities are carrying out this duty satisfactorily, but the Department is always prepared to examine a situation in which there is a serious failure to achieve the recommended standards.