HC Deb 23 January 1979 vol 961 cc102-3W
Mr. Andrew F. Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, within the supplementary benefits scale rates for children aged five to 10 years, 11 to 12 years, 13 to 15 years, and 16 to 17 years, how much is allowed to meet the requirements of schools, in terms of school uniforms, travel-to-school costs, and expenditure requested as required by schools; and how far such expenditure is eligible for special needs grants.

Mr. Deakins

With regard to the first part of the Question, I refer my hon. Friend to my reply to the hon. Member for Woolwich, West (Mr. Bottomley) on 15 December 1978.—[Vol. 960, c. 451.] In view of the powers of local education authorities to assist with such costs as school uniforms and travel to school it is not the policy of the Supplementary Benefits Commission to make discretionary payments for them.