§ Mr. Parrisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what are the results of the October 1981 census of school meals; how they compare with those for 1980; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. BoysonThe information is as follows:
455W
1981 1980 Numbers As percentage of Numbers As percentage of pupils in attendance pupils in attendance —on payment 2,659,034 37.1 2,810,601 38.3 —free 856,282 11.9 724,257 9.9 Pupils bringing own food 1,879,251 26.2 1,982,122 27.0 A detailed statement of the returns from local education authorities from which these national figures are taken is being placed in the Library together with details of LEA meal charges and free meal policies in October 1981.
An analysis of the returns shows the following proportions for primary and secondary pupils, as percentages of pupils attending their respective sectors.
Primary Secondary 1981 1980 1981 1980 Pupils taking school meals 52.4 53.4 44.6 41.7 Pupils bringing own food 31.1 30.5 21.5 23.8 The increase in secondary take-up reflects the welcome efforts made by many LEAs to provide meals that pupils want at prices they can afford, particularly through the medium of cash cafeterias. Against this trend, those LEAs with no cash cafeterias have suffered further declines in secondary take-up despite the fact that their provision normally involves a higher net subsidy from public funds.
The position in the primary sector suggests an urgent need for the exploration of new approaches. I am glad to note that some LEAs are already experimenting in this area with encouraging signs of success.
Overall, there remains considerable scope for innovation in individual LEAs' practices both to improve take-up and, through a combination of measures, to secure further economies in line with the Government's expenditure plans.