I write following Mr Rudd's letter (EA, March 1).

If it is possible to provide school meals at the existing price, with the existing staff at the same wages, then why are schools closing the service down for lack of cash and choosing instead to provide cheaper, packed lunches sourced (most probably) from the private sector?

Many school dinner ladies and school children take this matter very seriously indeed and I know of one school where the kids broke down in tears on learning that their beloved dinner ladies would no longer be with them after April 2. A lot more goes into the provision of hot meals the kids learn social skills, are taught to use knives and forks properly and get a lot of emotional support from women who play an important, if often undervalued, role in school.

It is not for me to point the finger of blame in this situation.

I and my members simply want this mess sorted out before another 50 hard working part time women are forced out of work in July.

KEVIN BRANDSTATTER

GMB Organiser

Wiltshire & Swindon