Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Elizabeth Truss and Janet Daby

Tuesday 9th April 2019 Commons Chamber

[Janet Daby (Lewisham East) (Lab)]

21. Whether he plans to allocate funding for the provision of sanitary products beyond secondary schools and colleges.

[The Chief Secretary to the Treasury (Elizabeth Truss)]

The Department for Education is implementing this policy with the purpose of increasing attendance in schools. That is the factor it will take under consideration.

[Janet Daby]

The Chancellor’s spring statement announcement of free period products in secondary schools and colleges was welcomed—very much so. However, he has failed to mentioned pupil referral units and other alternative education provision, as well as the fact that some children start their periods in primary schools. He has also failed to consider women and girls in vulnerable situations such as homelessness shelters, refugees and women refuges. Will he take a human rights approach to period poverty to ensure universal free access to sanitary products for all women, so we can put a real end to period poverty?

[Elizabeth Truss]

I know that the children’s Minister has already said he will look specifically at primary schools and my right hon. Friend the Education Secretary is going to consult widely on the issue.