§ Mr. Crowtherasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he has considered the request made by the National Association of Head Teachers that he should set up a national working party to examine all aspects of school meals supervision; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MacfarlaneI have nothing at present to add to the answer my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary gave to the hon. Member for Penistone (Mr. McKay) on 8 November.—[Vol. 973, c. 239].
§ Mr. John Townendasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he plans to increase the charge for school meals next year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mark CarlisleThe Government have decided to increase the charge for school meals in Great Britain by 5p to 35p as from the 4 February 1980. This will help local authorities to make progress towards achieving the savings next year set out in Cmnd. 7746, pending the enactment of the Education (No. 2) Bill. The income scale which determines entitlement to free meals will not be changed. The appropriate amending regulations have been laid before Parliament today.