§ 44 and 45. Mr. Lewisasked the Minister of Education (1) if she is aware that the special services sub-committee of the education committee of the county borough of West Ham had reported to them recently that the number of children taking the mid-day meal has fallen by approximately 1,300 daily since the beginning of March; that this decrease of 15 per cent. of the number served prior 20W to 1st March is due, in the opinion of the committee, to the increase in the charge of 2d. per meal which was imposed by her as from that date; and if, as many children are being deprived of a hot midday meal, she will now reduce the price to that in operation before 1st March, 1953;
(2) if she has considered the letter from the hon. Member for West Ham, North, concerning the failure of children in West Ham to take up their mid-day meal since the price was increased by 2d. per meal on 1st March; and whether she will make a statement in connection with this and the national effects of this increased price on the school meals service.
Miss HorsbroghI am aware of the report referred to by the hon. Member and I have also considered the letter which he has sent me. I am not myself prepared to draw any firm conclusions at this stage. I have asked all local education authorities for a return of the number of school dinners provided on a day in June, and further returns will be available for a day in October. These figures will enable comparisons to be made with similar returns last year. When I announced an increase in the normal charge, I offered at the same time to consider on their merits any proposals for adjustments in the income scales by reference to which full or partial exemption from the charge is granted.