§ 44. Mr. Moodyasked the Minister of Education the number of children taking school meals since the last increase in prices; the number for a similar period before the increase, in the county borough of Gateshead; and what is the saving to the education authority.
§ Miss HorsbrughThe number of meals taken in the county borough of Gateshead on a day in June, 1952, was 6,427. I have no more recent information, but this will be available in a few weeks time as I have asked all local education authorities for a return relating to a day in the present month. The reasonable net cost to local education authorities of the 83W provision of school dinners is covered by Exchequer grant. The last part of the Question does not therefore arise.