asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many schoolchildren in South Tyneside metropolitan borough council take school meals; and how many of them receive free meals.

On a day in October 1978, the latest date for which reliable figures are available, the number of pupils in the area of the South Tyneside metropolitan borough council who took a school meal was 13,902, of whom 5,253 received the meal free of charge.

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what estimate he has made of the impact of a reduction in the kitchen capacity of the school meals service, and a change in the type of food provided, on the meals on wheels services provided from school canteens throughout the United Kingdom; what representations he has received about this matter; what replies he has sent; and if he will make a statement.

None; and my right hon. and learned Friend has received no representations on this matter. If, in the area of a local education authority, the meals on wheels service is dependent on the school meals service, this is a factor the authority concerned will no doubt take into account in deciding what changes to make in the operation of the school meals service.