School Meals (Children in Voluntary Societies' Homes)

HC Deb 18 July 1968 vol 768 cc258-9W

43. Mr. Dance

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will recommend to local education authorities that children living in homes run by charitable organisations who attend local schools should be provided with free meals at those schools.

Mr. Denis Howell

No. The provision of free meals is governed by regulations made by my right hon. Friend under Section 49 of the Education Act, 1944. These relate to family circumstances and it would not be appropriate to apply them to children living in homes run by voluntary societies.