HC Deb 08 July 1948 vol 453 cc43-4W
27. Mr. Wilkes

asked the Minister of Education how the figures showing the percentage of school children at maintained schools within the County Borough of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, who regularly receive a mid-day school meal, compares with the national average percentage for county boroughs generally, and in particular, with the percentage provided with school meals in Leeds, Birmingham, Sheffield, Manchester and Sunderland.

Mr. Tomlinson

In February last the percentage of children having dinner in maintained schools in Newcastle-upon-Tyne was 38.6 compared with a national average for county boroughs of 42.4 per cent.

(In thousands).
January 1948. 1949. 1950. 1951. 1952. 1953.
Seniors 1,750 1,980 2,000 2,020 2,000 1,980
Juniors 1,990 1,970 1,930 1,960 2,040 2,180
Infants and under 5's 1,530 1,610 1,750 1,770 1,870 1,990
TOTAL 5,270 5,560 5,680 5,750 5,910 6,150

Following is the table of the remaining figures:

Percentage of children in maintained schools having dinner at school in February, 1948.
Leeds 43.2
Birmingham 36.3
Sheffield 61.9
Manchester 44.0
Sunderland 27.0