HC Deb 01 December 1972 vol 847 c258W
Mr. James Lamond

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children receive free school meals in Oldham; what this is as a percentage of meals taken; and how this compares with each of the last three years.

Mrs. Thatcher

In October 1972, 3,706 and 31.9 per cent. Corresponding figures for the three previous years were:

Children receiving free meals Free meals as percentage of meals taken
1971 3,425 31.8%
1970 2,479 23.6%
1969 2,327 18.7%