§ 84. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Minister of Education if she will arrange to postpone the raising of the charge for school meals from 1st March until some date in the next financial year, in view of the fact that the present charge has formed the base for local education authorities' 1952–53 estimates.
§ Miss HorsbrughNo.
§ 85. Mr. S. O. Daviesasked the Minister of Education what percentage reduction in children taking school meals she anticipates arising from the increase in charge she proposes to impose as from 1st March.
§ Miss HorsbrughOn the basis of past experience I hope that, if there is any reduction in the number of children taking school meals, it will be slight and temporary.
§ 86. Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Education the average cost to her Department of school meals, per child, at the present time in England and Wales; and if she will give an estimate of the average cost to her Department of school meals, per child, after the increase takes place.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe average net cost to my Department per school dinner served is now 11.55d. After the increase takes place, it would be 9.85d. if demand and the ratio of meals provided free and at a reduced charge remained as at present.
§ 87. Mr. Murrayasked the Minister of Education the estimated annual saving expected from the recently-announced increase in the price of school meals in England and Wales.
§ Miss HorsbrughAbout £4 million.