HC Deb 20 December 1974 vol 883 cc629-30W
Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further steps he proposes to take to ensure that all parents are aware of the qualifications for entitlement to free school meals.

Mr. Prentice

There is already publicity through the schools and through social service channels, but I am considering whether any further measures need to be taken.

Mr. Corbett

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will now revise the qualifications for entitlement to free school meals to take account of the rise in average earnings to take effect from April 1975.

Mr. Prentice

No. I am satisfied that the present practice of adjusting the free school meals entitlement to reflect the cost of living—by reference to supplementary benefit rates—ensures that parents who cannot afford to pay for meals are not called upon to do so.