§ Mr. Eldon Griffithsasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what evidence he has that children receiving free school meals are still being segregated from those who pay for their meals in schools; and if he will place in the Library of the House of Commons any evidence he has on this subject from the Child Poverty Action Group, naming the schools and education authorities concerned.
§ Mr. ArmstrongMy right hon. Friend has had a number of letters from members of the public and from hon. Members about the embarrassment experienced by pupils who receive free school meals, but all of these have been in general terms. He has received no representations from34W the Child Poverty Action Group but has seen its recent report. He raised this matter at a recent major conference of councillors and education officers and will take an early opportunity of reminding all authorities again of the importance of ensuring that arrangements in their schools do not cause any embarrassment to pupils who receive free meals.