§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many children currently attend special schools in Northern Ireland; what is the estimated cost during the school year 1993–94 of providing a mid-day meal for pupils in special schools in Northern Ireland; and what is the estimated saving to the Department of Education (Northern Ireland) arising from the decision to introduce a charge for school meals in special schools during the 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97 school years from September 1994.
§ Mr. AncramThe number of children attending special schools in Northern Ireland is 4,392.
Cost estimates are not available on a school year basis, but the estimated cost during the financial year 1993–94 of providing a mid-day meal for pupils in special schools in Northern Ireland was £701,000.
The estimated savings arising from the decision to charge for school meals from September 1994 in the financial years 1994–95, 1995–96 and 1996–97 are as follows:
£ 1994–95 65,000 1995–96 180,000 1996–97 275,000