asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the percentage take-up of free school meals among those children estimated as eligible for them.

It is estimated that about 80 per cent. of the pupils eligible for free school meals make use of their entitlement. The Department has stressed in a recent circular—1/75—the need for authorities to make every effort to bring free school meal entitlements to the notice of parents whose children are likely to be eligible.