Debates between Simon Clarke and Barry Gardiner during the 2019 Parliament

Financial and Social Emergency Support Package

Debate between Simon Clarke and Barry Gardiner
Wednesday 25th March 2020

(4 years ago)

Commons Chamber
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Simon Clarke Portrait Mr Clarke
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I thank the hon. Lady for her suggestion, which will have been heard. I can confirm that free school meals ought to continue to be available during this time. Schools have discretion to make sure they find the appropriate way to do that, but I take her point on board. Costs will be higher for families at a time like this.

Barry Gardiner Portrait Barry Gardiner (Brent North) (Lab)
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The Minister said that only children of parents who are engaged in essential services should be going to school. Earlier in his remarks he talked about “essential” construction. Can he confirm that the children of construction workers working on an essential site will also be included?

Simon Clarke Portrait Mr Clarke
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It is key workers only. I have to correct the hon. Gentleman. It is only those who are doing the jobs specified in the list we have issued.

To conclude, the Government have responded rapidly to this crisis. An enormous amount has happened in the past two weeks. I am proud of what we are doing. We are ensuring the long-term protection of public services and businesses.