§ Mr. Canavanasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what powers or duties her Department has to assist needy schoolchildren in Scottish local education authority schools to buy school uniforms; and whether such regulations are the same as for pupils in England and Wales.
§ Mr. O'MalleyThe Supplementary Benefits Commission will consider the award of a lump-sum payment for essential items of clothing and footwear where an excepional need arises in a family receiving supplementary benefit, but does not provide for distinctive school uniforms—uwith which local education authorities have power to assist. The Commission's policy applies uniformly in this respect throughout Great Britain.