HL Deb 19 July 1999 vol 604 c86WA
Baroness Jeger

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What provision is made for free school meals for children of asylum seekers attending nursery, primary or secondary schools. [HL3615]

The Minister of State, Department for Education and Employment (Baroness Blackstone)

Free school meals are available for all children whose parents qualify through receipt of income support or income-based job seekers allowance, whether or not they are asylum seekers. If the asylum Bill currently before Parliament is enacted, it will remove the right of asylum seekers to claim these benefits. However, their children and unaccompanied children seeking asylum will be eligible for free school meals.