§ 17. Dr. McDonaldasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what representations he has received about the Green Paper "Reform of Social Security".
§ Mr. NewtonI refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave earlier this afternoon to my hon. Friend the Member for Norwich, North (Mr. Thompson).
§ Dr. McDonaldWill the Minister give an absolute assurance that the removal of free school meals as part of the family income supplement package, to be replaced by the family credit scheme, will not cause suffering to any poor families?
§ Mr. NewtonI can give the hon. Lady the assurance that, in setting the family credit rates, we shall take into account current expenditure on free school meals, and that the 30 per cent. of beneficiaries who currently do not claim free school meals will be assisted as a result.