§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will estimate how many fewer children will be taking school meals following the increase in charges; and what estimate he has made of the likely increase in accidents following from children leaving school premises for lunch.
§ Dr. BoysonNo estimate of future trends in the take-up of school meals is232W possible until local education authorities have completed their plans for 1980–81; nor can any estimate be made of what change there might be in the number of children leaving school premises at midday, since a fall in take-up of school meals is likely to be accompanied by an increase in the number of children bringing their own food to school.
§ Mr. Stottasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he is satisfied that proper facilities will be provided for those children who wish to eat sandwiches at lunch time at those schools where normal midday meals are abolished.
§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will ensure that children at State schools will continue to be able to consume on school premises snacks and sandwiches prepared by their parents.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneThe Government are proposing in the Education (No. 2) Bill to place local education authorities under a duty to provide facilities for pupils to consume any meals or other refreshment which they have brought to school.