§ Mr. Ryanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many of the estimated 5 per cent. drop in take-up of school meals after next April will be due to families qualifying for free meals but not claiming them.
§ Miss BaconNo reliable estimate can be made but I expect the number to be very small. The increase in charge will increase further the incentive for those entitled to free meals to claim them.
§ Mr. Ryanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the percentage cost of the food element in school dinners in 1951, 1964 and 1969; and what it will be when the price of meals is increased next April.
§ Miss BaconThe cost of food expressed as a percentage of the running cost of providing the school dinner is as follows:
Per cent. 1951–52 … … 46.2 1964–65 … … 40.8 1969–70 (estimated) … … 38.9 1970–71 (estimated) … … 39.1