§ Mr. Ronnie CampbellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services which pupils will be entitled to free school meals in the Northumberland education authority currently on supplementary benefit; and what is his estimate of the number of pupils on the new family credit scheme and income support who will be entitled to free meals.
§ Mr. PortilloIn October 1987, (the latest date for which information is available) there were 5,863 children receiving free school meals in the Northumberland education authority area on account of their family's receipt of supplementary benefit. We estimate that a similar number are now entitled on account of receipt of income support. Children from families in receipt of family credit are not entitled to free school meals. Instead, provision is made in cash by including an additional amount of £2.55 in the child credit rates for each child for each week of the year.