asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what progress has been made by his Department with school feeding arrangements in North-east Scotland.

In the area comprising Aberdeen, Dundee, Aberdeen County, Angus, Banff, Kincardine, Moray and Nairn, the percentage of children receiving dinners was 6.7 in May, 1942, 12.9 in June, 1943, and 18.8 in June, 1945. So far, schemes have been approved for the construction of facilities which will enable dinners to be provided for 55 per cent. of the children on the roll in this area.

Will the Under-Secretary of State tell us when it will be possible greatly to increase the numbers at present receiving school dinners?

I cannot say when, but education authorities in Scotland have been urged to make provision for school meals up to 75 per cent. of their school population as soon as possible.