HC Deb 22 July 1986 vol 102 cc128-9W
Mr. Wilson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what was the total number of students attending each Scottish university in the academic year 1984–85; what were the numbers of full-time staff at each university; and what were the staff-student ratios in each case.

Mr. Walden

Information is provided in the following table:

school meals for the years in question, copies of which are in the Library. Information on the cost per meal in each local education authority is not collected centrally.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is (a) the average cost of providing a school meal and (b) the average staff numbers per 100 meals served for (i) England and (ii) Buckinghamshire.

Mr. Dunn

The Department does not collect the information from which to calculate the average cost of providing a school meal. In the October 1984 school meals census, the only occasion when this information has been collected centrally, 13 LEAs, including Buckinghamshire, did not provide figures for the number of staff per 100 meals served.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will introduce legislation to require local education authorities to provide a school meal service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Dunn

No.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many representations have been received by his Department concerning the future of the school meals service in Buckinghamshire.

Mr. Dunn

To date, the Department has received 10 letters from members of the public.