HC Deb 19 May 1953 vol 515 cc123-4W
59. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is aware that Lanarkshire Education Authority have decided to dismiss 50 women kitchen assistants and 200 attendants in school dining centres, due to reduction in demand for school meals since prices were increased; and, as further closing-down of central kitchens is contemplated, what steps will be taken to prevent this service from falling off altogether in this redevelopment area.

Mr. J. Stuart

I am aware that the authority have issued notices terminating the employment of 41 kitchen assistants and 142 dining attendants. Only one central kitchen is being closed and if, as I hope, the number of children taking meals rises again, it should not be necessary to close other kitchens. The authority have issued a pamphlet to parents pointing out the benefits their children will get from taking school meals and explaining how the charges will be remitted in whole or in part where parents cannot afford to pay them.

60. Miss Herbison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what has been the reduction in the number of children taking meals in school since the increase in price; if he will give the numbers for Scotland, and for Lanarkshire, Glasgow and Perthshire, respectively; and what these decreases represent in percentages of children who were taking meals before the increase in charges.

Mr. J. Stuart

The following table shows the reductions in the numbers of dinners served in April as compared with February:

Area Reduction* Percentage
Glasgow … … 6,105 10.4
Lanark … … 7,226 20.6
Perth … … 711 8.7
Scotland … … 33,784 12.6
* This figure is the difference between either the average daily number of dinners served to pupils or the number served on the monthly census day, in February and April respectively.

The figure for Scotland does not include Zetland.

Mr. Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many protests he has received in the past two months concerning the most recent increase in the price of school meals; how many of those protests were from local education authorities; and how many from other organisations.

Mr. J. Stuart

Ten, of which three were from education authorities.