§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the results of the annual census of school meals in Scotland held in January 1993; and what were the corresponding 1992 results.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information is set out in the table. The number of pupils taking school meals has continued to increase, despite a fall in the number of pupils present on census day. Just over half the pupils present on census day took school meals with a further estimated 17.9 per cent. bringing their own food to school. Free meals formed 31 per cent. of the total meals provided. Cafeteria style meals remain more popular than two-course fixed meals.
The following table shows, as a percentage of pupils attending their respective sectors, those primary and secondary pupils taking meals or bringing their own food.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 23 November 1993]: Scottish local authority finance departments have notified the Scottish Office of a total of six appeals against liability for the council tax, lodged in the period up to September 1993. All these appeals were withdrawn by the appellants.