§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what are the current qualifying limits for receipt of free school meals in each education authority; and if he has been informed of any anticipated change in 1984–85.
§ Mr. Allan StewartAll education authorities have a statutory duty to provide free school meals for pupils whose families are in receipt of supplementary benefit or family income supplement. The following authorities are also currently awarding free meals to some children on the basis of their family's income:
Maximum qualifying income for a family with one child Education authority £ Central 69.30 Fife 65.14 Strathclyde 65.35 Orkney 53.65 Shetlands 61.83 Western Isles 88.50 In addition, Dumfries and Galloway take family income into account when considering appeals relating to the provision of free school meals.
In 1984, only Borders regional council used receipt of unemployment benefit as an additional qualification for school meals.
278WGrampian, Highland and Tayside regions also provide free school meals to pupils whose families are in receipt of housing benefit supplement.
I am not aware of any proposed changes in these arrangements.