§ 19. Mr. Gwilym Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the latest figures available for the reduction in the number of children taking school meals since the increase in price; and what additional steps she is taking.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe fall since May 1977 in the number of children taking school meals in the first 50 or so authorities to submit October census returns is 10 per cent. I have taken action aimed primarily at increasing the take-up of free meals.
§ 25. Mr. George Rodgersasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she is satisfied that adequate publicity has been given to the extent of entitlement of free school meals following the Chancellor of the Exchequer's recent announcement on this matter.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonA considerable amount of publicity was given to the increased entitlement to free school meals announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in July, and further publicity has been given to the new income scale for determining entitlement to free meals which came into effect on 14th November.