§ Mr. Roderickasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will instruct all his officers that recipients of benefits should also be given grants towards school uniforms and sports uniforms where applicable.
§ Mr. DeanIf, as I assume, the hon. Member is referring to supplementary benefit, these are matters for the Supplementary Benefits Commission under the exercise of its discretionary powers. The commission's policy is to help where appropriate with the cost of essential ordinary clothing, but not to pay for school uniforms or other distinctive clothing in view of the powers available to local education authorities for this purpose.