§ Mr. Oldfieldasked the President of the Board of Education what is the last known average percentage number of children taking meals at schools; if he will give a list of authorities who are above the average, giving the percentage supplied by each authority; and a list of all local authorities who supply free meals.
§ Mr. ButlerThe percentages of children attending public elementary schools and374W secondary schools respectively in England and Wales who received a midday meal at school on a day in October, 1943, were 26.5 and 52.2. A return, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, showing the percentages for the area of each local education authority in February, 1943, was published as a Command Paper last May and I propose to present a similar return relating to a day in February, 1944, as soon as the particulars have been furnished and collated. Of the 305 authorities which provided meals last October, all but 21 were supplying free meals.