HC Deb 20 February 1979 vol 963 c121W
Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the hourly rates of pay for workers in the school meals service; and what is the imputed value of the free meals to which they are entitled.

Miss Margaret Jackson

The hourly rates of pay effective from November 1977 are as follows:

pence
Dining room assistant 106*
General kitchen assistant/school meals supervisory assistant 107*
Assistant cook 111.75*
Cook 117.50*
The hourly rate payable to cooks-in-charge and cook supervisors is 117.50* pence, increased by between 2.90 pence and 9.45 pence depending on the daily output of meals of the school kitchen or canteen concerned.

* These figures include the hourly equivalent of a weekly supplement of £5 and are subject to abatement by 1.46 pence in respect of meals provided during the period of duty.

The average cost of a school meal in 1977–78 was 52 pence. The hours worked vary between 7½ and 40 for a five-day week, depending on the post and on local circumstances.