§ Mr. Armstrongasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the current average cost of the school 109W midday meal; and how much is due to overheads as against the actual cost of food.
§ Mr. RedheadJust under 2s. 6d. in 1966–67, of which overheads account for about 1s. 6d. and the cost of food for about 1s.
§ Mr. Armstrongasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the cost to public funds of the provision of free meals during the last financial year; and what was the cost to public funds of subsidising those paying for meals.
§ Mr. RedheadThe estimated cost to the Exchequer of free midday meals for children in 1965–66 was £7.7 million; the estimated cost to the Exchequer in respect of pupils paying for meals was £54.6 million.
§ Mr. Armstrongasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the net income allowed for a man, wife and two children for both children to be eligible for free school meals; how many children were receiving free meals when the last count was taken; and what steps he takes to ensure that all children entitled to free meals are being thus provided.
§ Mr. RedheadIn the case cited both children are eligible for free school meals if the net income after deductions of rates, rent or mortgage payments, national insurance contributions, income tax, trades union subscriptions, fares and other expenses connected with employment is less than 193s. a week; and one
110W
School Year 1965–66 Exchequer Number of Pupil/Teacher School Grant £ Pupils Ratio Bedford Modern School for Boys … … … … 66,981 881 18.1 Bedford Dame Alice Harpur School … … … … 50,107 727 17.4 Abingdon School of St. Helen and St. Katharine … … 27,139 377 13.9 Abingdon (Roysso's) School … … … … 50,477 601 16.0 Reading, The Abbey School … … … … 29,827 409 14.1 Cambridge Perse School for Boys … … … … 31,655 413 16.5 Cambridge Perse School for Girls … … … … 32,514 420 14.4 Birkenhead School … … … … 57,946 630 15.4 Birkenhead Convent of F.C.J. School … … … … 28,802 367 16.6 Birkenhead High School for Girls … … … … 47,064 562 15.6 Birkenhead St. Anselm's College … … … … 46,053 619 16.2 Cheadle Hulme School … … … … 63,141 805 16.3 Chester Ursuline Convent School … … … … 26,204 378 16.4 Chester King's School … … … … 30,850 405 15.6 Chester Queen's School … … … … 30,620 409 15.7 Stockport Grammar School … … … … 38,000 487 16.8 Truro School … … … … 46,212 545 14.0 child is eligible if the net income lies between 193s. and 198s. per week. These rates are being revised to take account of recent improvements in the rates of supplementary benefit. 330,271 children were receiving free meals at the last count this autumn. Local authorities take steps as part of their administration of the school meals service to inform parents of their entitlement to free school meals. In addition the officers of the Supplementary Benefit Commission draw attention locally to the entitlement of children whose parents are in receipt of supplementary benefit.