§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what number of school children in each authority in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are on the waiting list for school dinners.
§ Miss Joan LestorMy Department does not collect statistics of the numbers of pupils who are on waiting lists for school dinners. I have no reason to believe that there is any general difficulty in providing meals, but my right hon. Friend is considering whether, in the light of recent concern about the situation in one area, further inquiries are necessary. My right hon. Friend has no responsibilities for school meals in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will confirm that the statutory obligation to provide school dinners for every pupil is being met; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss Joan LestorLocal education authorities are under a duty to provide a school dinner for every pupil in a maintained school on every school day so far as this is reasonably practicable. There may be temporary circumstances which make it impossible for an authority to provide meals for all pupils who wish to take them, but my right hon. Friend has no evidence that there is any significant failure on the part of authorities to meet their statutory obligations.