§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his estimate of the probable impact of changes in the entitlement to free school meals following the enactment of recent social security legislation in the city of Coventry; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloIn October 1987, the latest date for which information is available, 15,002 children in the Coventry local education authority area were authorised to receive free school meals. Of these, 83 per cent. came from families in receipt of supplementary benefit. Children from families now in receipt of income support continue to be entitled to free school meals. Many of the other children who previously received free school meals may be from families eligible for family credit, which includes extra cash compensation in place of entitlement to free school meals.