§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on the take-up of school meals nationally in numbers and percentage terms for(a) 1980–81 and (b) 1990–91; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FallonThe numbers of children in maintained schools in England taking free and paid for school meals on the census dates in October 1980 and January 1991 were 3,535,000 and 2,975,000 (provisionally) respectively. These figures represent 48 per cent. and 42 per cent. of the total day pupils on roll for each year. Since the Education Act 1980, as amended by the Social Security Act 1986, it has been the responsibility of each education authority to decide what school meals service to offer in its schools.
§ Dr. David ClarkTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what information he has on the number of local authorities that have put school meals to compulsory competitive tendering; how many of these contracts have been awarded to in house contractors; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. FallonI understand from the Local Government Management Board that so far 82 authorities have put out 174 catering (education and welfare) contracts to tender. A total of 166 have been won by direct service organisations and eight by other contractors.