The Rev. LI. Williamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education what has been the reduction in the number of children taking school meals in Abertillery, Nantyglo, Blaina, Abercarn and Newbridge, respectively, since the recent increase in the cost of meals.
§ Sir E. BoyleI regret that this information will not be available until local education authorities submit their annual return in October.
§ Mr. Lewisasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Education why he has refused the request of the Education Committee of the County Borough of West Ham that, in view of the fall-off in the number of children taking school meals since the various price increases, the charge for dinners for children in nursery and infant schools should be reduced below that paid by children in junior and secondary schools; and, in view of the fact that these young children eat less than the older children, whether he will reconsider his decision.
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§ Sir E. BoyleThere is very little difference between the cost of providing a school dinner for children in infant and nursery schools and that for older children, and my noble Friend would not therefore be justified in imposing a lower charge.