Jack McConnell: "Real benefits"

The figures, which were published on Monday, showed that 20.8% of primary and 16.7% secondary pupils were entitled to free meals in 2000/2001.

But only 15.5% of all pupils present last year actually took free school meals compared to the proportion of 19.5% entitled to them.

Glasgow had the highest percentage of pupils entitled to free meals - 41.3% or 77,675 - while Aberdeenshire had the lowest - 6.6% or 36,113.

Mr McConnell said: "I am pleased to see the steady increase in recent years in the percentage of pupils staying at school for lunch.

"There are real benefits for pupils, who can get good quality and healthy choices at reasonable prices.

'Positive approach'

"Staying in school at lunchtime helps to encourage a spirit of commitment to the school and can have real benefits for its ethos.

"It also encourages a positive approach to discipline when pupils can relax with their friends away from lessons, but still in the school environment.

"Local authorities, head teachers and school catering staff deserve our congratulations for their efforts in encouraging more pupils to stay for school lunches."

The information gathered in the executive's report will be used for target setting and calculating the distribution of grant support to local authorities.