HC Deb 15 July 1976 vol 915 cc281-2W
Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if the Strathclyde Region Education Committee sought his Department's advice or permission before deciding to stop the free school meals service for needy children during the holiday period; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McElhone

No. This is a matter fully within the discretion of each educaation authority so long as it is satisfied that holiday meals are not necessary to enable any pupils to take full advantage of the education provided.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many needy children in Scotland and Glasgow, respectively, were provided with free school meals by education departments during the summer holiday period in 1972, 1973, 1974 and 1975, respectively; and what estimate he has made of the number of schoolchildren who will be provided with such such meals this summer.

Mr. McElhone

This information is not available centrally.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to inquire into the effect on the health of needy children of the discontinuance of the provision of free school meals in Glasgow by the Strathclyde Education Department; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McElhone

No.

Mr. Teddy Taylor

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what part he estimates spending cuts imposed by his Department has had on the provision of free school meals in areas such as Strathclyde; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. McElhone

Decisions about levels of expenditure in particular services are for an authority to take in the light of its own assessment of priorities and, in the current financial year, of the guidance given to authorities in the Scottish Office Finance Circulars 75/75 and 27/76.

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