HC Deb 09 March 1988 vol 129 cc231-2W
Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether free school meals will be available to the children of those receiving family income supplement on 11 April; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Needham

As family income supplement ends on Sunday 10 April 1988 and family credit will be introduced from Monday 11 April 1988, free school meals will not be available to these children on 11 April 1988. To ensure, however, that families do not lose out at this time a transitional payment of family credit, which includes an amount for school meals, will be made on 12 April 1988. This will be in addition to a second payment, covering the period from 12 April to 18 April, which will be paid on Tuesday 19 April 1988.