§ Mr. Thurnhamasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has as to the number of schools privatising school meals in each of the education authorities in England and Wales.
§ Mr. DunnI understand that in Merton and Ealing all school meals are supplied by private contractors; that in Hereford and Worcester all school meals are supplied by private contractors or self-help groups and that Lincolnshire and Dorset have put part of their school meals provision in the hands of self-help groups. A number of other LEAs are known to be considering privatisation. Information as to the number of schools involved is not collected centrally. Information for Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.