asked the Leader of the House:What is the advantage to the security of the Palace of Westminster and of those who work there in requiring applicants who wish to join the Metropolitan Police Security Force and to work in one or other House of Parliament to resign from the Special Constabulary if they are members, and to hand in their warrant card.

Members of the Special Constabulary are not debarred solely by virtue of their status as Special Constables from employment by the Metropolitan Police on security duties at the Palace of Westminster. As far as can be ascertained, no employee or applicant for a post at the Palace has been informed to the contrary.

asked Her Majesty's Government:Whether they will list the number of school dinners taken in January 1977 and January 1978 for each local education authority and if they will distinguish between the numbers of free and paid meals at each date.

I am sending a copy of the two censuses to the noble Lord and copies have been placed in the Library.House adjourned at thirteen minutes before six o'clock.