§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations he has received concerning difficulties arising from schools being required to collect moneys from parents for meals and milk taken by pupils at school; how many local education authorities in England and Wales require schools to make such collections; what savings he estimates would be made in school administration costs if the requirement to collect moneys were removed; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthI am not aware of any such representations being received.
The provision of school meals and milk, and the arrangements made to administer these services, are matters for local determination. Information is not collected centrally by the Department.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will bring forward proposals to amend the Social Security Act 1986 to permit local education authorities to provide meals and milk free to pupils; what representations he has received concerning difficulties caused by schools being required to collect moneys from parents for milk and meals taken by school pupils; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alan HowarthMy right hon. Friend has no plans to reintroduce powers for LEAs to provide free meals on a discretionary basis. Section 77 of the Social Security Act 1986 places LEAs under a duty to provide free school meals to pupils whose families are in receipt of income support.
I am not aware of any representations being received in the Department about the collection of moneys for school meals and milk.