HC Deb 23 January 1980 vol 977 cc211-2W
Mr. Marks

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if in his dis-

MAINTAINED SCHOOLS INCLUDING NURSERY AND SPECIAL—ENGLAND
October 1979 October 1978
(i) pupils in attendance 7,576,798 7,729,484
(ii) numbers taking dinners 4,854,938 5,096,433
as a proportion of pupils in attendance 64.1% 65.9%
(a) numbers taking dinners on payment 3,956,170 4,022,367
as a proportion of pupils in attendance 52.2% 52.0%
(b) numbers taking dinners free 898,768 1,074,066
as a proportion of pupils in attendance 11.9% 13.9%

A detailed statement of the returns from local education authorities from which these national figures are taken is being placed in the Library.

On the day of the census, school dinners were taken by 75.5 per cent. of pupils present in primary schools—75.0 per cent. in 1978—and by 50.6 per cent. of pupils present in secondary schools—53.9 per cent. in 1978.

cussions on the curriculum he will emphasise the importance of legible handwriting by teachers and students at all levels of education.

Dr. Boyson

The forthcoming consultations will deal primarily with issues and aspects of the school curriculum of importance at local authority level, and not with teaching methods or the content of lessons. My right hon. and learned Friend is always concerned to promote high standards of achievement, in handwriting as in other skills, and Her Majesty's Inspectorate continues to encourage attention to this.