HC Deb 27 November 1972 vol 847 c40W
Mr. Dell

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many school meals are provided in Birkenhead and how many and what percentage are provided free; and how these figures compare with each of the previous five years.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

In October, 1972, 14,397 meals, of which 4,475 or 31.1 per cent. were provided free. Corresponding figures for the five previous years were:

Children receiving meals Children receiving free meals Free meals as percentage of total Per cent.
1971 13,049 3,548 27.2
1970 14,826 2,801 18.9
1969 14,575 2,358 16.2
1968 14,395 3,972 27.6
1967 13,852 2,006 14.5

Mr. George Grant

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many children receive free school meals in the county of Northumberland; what this number represents as a percentage of total meals taken; and what were the corresponding figures for each of the previous three years.

Mr. St. John-Stevas

In October 1972, 11,681 and 19.1 per cent. Corresponding figures for the previous three years were:

Children receiving free meals Free meals as percentage of total
1971 11,497 20.1
1970 9,581 15.4
1969 9,152 15.1