HC Deb 22 May 1990 vol 173 c98W
Mr. Gregory

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the average price of a school meal in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Howarth

The average price of school meals in primary schools in England in October 1988, the latest date for which information is available, was 65p. It is not possible to give a figure for secondary schools as most operate a cash cafeteria system.

Information relating to Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Mr. Gregory

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science (1) what is the number and percentage of free school meals provided in England and Wales; and if he will make a statement;

(2) how many and what percentage of children in England and Wales took school meals in 1989; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Alan Howarth

In January 1989 the number and percentage of pupils provided with school meals in maintained nursery, primary, secondary and special schools in England are as follows. Information relating to Wales is the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Wales.

Pupils
Number of pupils provided with free school meals 779,131
as a percentage of all pupils on roll 11
Total number of pupils taking school meals 3,006,710
as a percentage of all pupils on roll 43

Local education authorities are empowered to provide at their discretion refreshment and facilities for the consumption of refreshments in the middle of the day for pupils in schools maintained by them. The Social Security Act 1986 requires that pupils whose parents or who themselves are in receipt of income support should receive such provision free of charge.