HC Deb 09 July 1953 vol 517 cc107-8W
72. Mr. G. Thomas

asked the Minister of Education the number of children who partook of school meals in Cardiff on a day in June, 1952, and the comparable number for a day in June, 1953.

Miss Horsbrugh

On a day in June, 1952, 8,372 children in maintained and assisted schools in Cardiff were having dinners. On a day in June, 1953, the figure was 7,290.

73. Mr. Chetwynd

asked the Minister of Education how many children were having school meals on a selected day in June, 1953, as compared with a comparable day in June, 1952; and whether she will state the number of children for whom school meal facilities are not available.

77. Mr. Lewis

asked the Minister of Education (1) if she is now in a position to publish the returns from education authorities about the number of children taking school meals on a day in June; how this compares with the date in March when the price was increased; and on what date she received these returns;

(2) on what date she expects to receive the national and regional review of the take-up of school meals since the increases in prices made in March last; and whether she will arrange to have these details published in HANSARD.

Miss Horsbrugh

I have not yet received all the returns from local education authorities. I hope to be able to give the House the figures shortly. I have no information as to the number of children for whom facilities are not available, but out of a total of 28,322 schools or departments, 901 had no school meal facilities when the last return was made in October, 1952.