§ Mr. Raymond S. RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the results of the annual census of school meals in Scotland held in January 1992; and what changes these show compared with the corresponding 1991 results.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe information is set out in the table. The number of pupils taking school meals has continued to increase, despite a fall in the number of pupils present on census day. Almost half the pupils present on census day took school meals with a further estimated 19 per cent. bringing their own food to school. Free meals formed 32 per cent. of the total meals provided. Cafeteria style meals remain more popular than two-course fixed meals.
The following table shows, as a percentage of pupils attending their respective sectors, those primary and secondary pupils taking meals or bringing their own food.
717W
Primary1 Secondary2 1992 per cent. 1991 per cent. 1992 per cent. 1991 per cent. Pupils taking school meals 52.9 52.9 46.1 44.2 Pupils bringing own food3 27.6 25.0 6.8 6.5 1 Includes 14 special departments in 1992 and nine special departments in 1991 where data have been included in primary school figures. 2 Includes 17 special departments in 1992 and 10 special departments in 1991 where special data have been included in secondary school figures. 3 Excluding Grampian for which 1991 comparisons were not available.
Almost 70 per cent. of meals served are cafeteria style: 1992 1991 Paid Free Total Per cent, of pupils present Paid Free Total Per cent, of pupils present Pupils taking fixed meals 71,824 35,260 107,084 15.4 76,252 33,849 110,101 15.8 Pupils taking cafeteria meals 155,916 71,926 227,842 32.7 154,126 68,066 222,192 31.8