HC Deb 23 November 1972 vol 846 cc463-4W
Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether the extension of awards of free welfare milk and free school meals for 12 months will apply to families in receipt of supplementary benefit.

Sir K. Joseph

No. The change is specifically designed to help the low paid wage-earner, whereas supplementary benefit is for those who are not in full- time employment. Families on supplementary benefit are automatically entitled to free school meals and free welfare milk under the existing passport arrangement. If, when they are no longer entitled to supplementary benefit, e.g. on return to work, their income is below the qualifying levels or free welfare milk and free school meals, they can apply in the usual way and any consequent award would then normally be made on a 12-monthly basis.