Dundee — which has already said it might find it hard to implement the scheme — did not reply, but Fife, Angus and Perth and Kinross councils did.

Their submissions make it clear large sums would have to be found in their budgets.

Fife was one of five pilot areas for the scheme and reckons that in a full year the cost would be £2.76 million.

Perth and Kinross estimates it would face an annual bill of at least £1.34 million.

Given that Dundee and Angus are broadly similar in population to Perth and Kinross, it seems likely the cost across the four authorities could be more than £6 million per year.

Fife Council said the uptake of school meals rose from 50% to 77% of the P1 to P3 pupils, and it expected this to rise further once the scheme comes into force properly in August 2010.

It said more staff and extra crockery, cutlery, tables and seating were required to deal with additional numbers and because some dining areas and kitchens were unable to cope, it had been necessary to stagger lunchtimes.

Fife reckons it would have to spend an extra £1.35 million on food, staff and equipment over a year to make the scheme work, while the ending of charges would cut its income by £1.4 million.

Perth and Kinross Council said it supported the principle of providing free meals, but could only welcome the move with caution given the uncertain financial climate. It already faced budget pressures due to rising energy costs.

It plans to ask its schools what the impact would be in terms of structuring the school day and the need for extra cleaning and supervision.

It told the Holyrood education committee, “There are a number of other issues that cause uncertainty at this stage — further significant inflation, costs associated with staggered lunch times and capital costs from the expansion and development of dining/kitchen facilities.”

Angus Council said it was preparing a report for councillors on the implications of the scheme, including the likely costs.

This would also look at the impact on children’s health and wellbeing and “whether or not the policy is targeted towards the right age group”.

The Scottish Government says councils should have enough money to provide the free meals thanks to the concordat signed last year that set out how much local authorities would be given to spend.

But Angus Council said there were nevertheless issues to be addressed before a final decision could be made on its implementation.

The Government’s education committee heard oral evidence today from several local authorities, including a complaint from Aberdeen City Council that there was weak evidence from the pilot schemes of improved outcomes from children and a criticism from Inverclyde Council that the move was “tokenism” that would not improve health.

Some council leaders are now calling for funding talks with the Government over concerns about the cost of providing free meals.

Dundee-based Labour MSP Marlyn Glen has already estimated that the city council could be facing bills of thousands of pounds each week if the scheme goes ahead.