HC Deb 22 March 1983 vol 39 cc372-3W
19. Mr. Dobson

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he is satisfied that all children who need a school meal get one.

Dr. Boyson

Section 22 of the Education Act 1980 entitles all children whose families are in receipt of supplementary benefit or family income supplement to a free school meal. For other children, all but a few authorities provide a school meal on payment, and all are required to make facilities available for children to eat packed lunches. The use made of these facilities is a matter for parents, who are primarily responsible for their children's nutrition.