§ Mr. Peter Robinsonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what are the reasons for the issuing of different coloured dinner tickets for those receiving free school meals; and if, in view of the fact that this practice deters some children from availing themselves of such a facility, there are any plans to introduce a uniform dinner ticket for those children who pay and those entitled to free meals.
§ Mr. ScottIn Northern Ireland the administrative arrangements for operating the school meals service are largely a matter for education and library boards. Since 1979, only the Belfast board has retained the practice of issuing different coloured tickets for pupils taking free meals. The Belfast board has argued that a survey in its schools indicated that there would be no practical advantages in changing their system. At the request of the Department of Education, the Belfast board is, however, currently re-examining its policy on this issue.