Oral Answers to Questions

John McDonnell Excerpts

Monday 3rd September 2012 Commons Chamber

[Mr Speaker]

I was reluctant to interrupt the flow of the Secretary of State’s eloquence, but I remind the House that the question relates exclusively to York—not even to Redcar, although Question 9 might present its opportunities to hon. Members.

[John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington) (Lab)]

8. What plans his Department has for school meals; and if he will make a statement.

[Diana Johnson (Kingston upon Hull North) (Lab)]

17. What plans his Department has for school meals; and if he will make a statement.

[The Minister of State, Department for Education (Mr Nick Gibb)]

Our aim is for all pupils to be offered good food in schools and to understand the importance of good nutrition. That is why the Secretary of State has asked the co-founders of the Leon restaurant chain, Henry Dimbleby and John Vincent, to examine school food, determine what more needs to be done to make nutritious and healthy food available to all school children, and ensure that children understand the importance of healthy eating.

[John McDonnell]

Free school meals are a lifeline to many families living in my constituency and there are concerns that the Chancellor has now called for a further round of expenditure cuts. Will the Minister give an assurance that no category of child eligible for free school meals at the moment will lose their eligibility during the life of this Government?

[Mr Gibb]

The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. He knows that, to make work pay, we are reforming the benefits system and introducing universal credit. We are working with the Department for Work and Pensions on how that translates into eligibility for free school meals, but we are determined to see no drop in the numbers of parents and their children eligible for free school meals.