50,000 LONDON KIDS MISS OUT ON FREE SCHOOL MEALS

12.01.00am GMT Tue 30th Mar 2004

Liberal Democrat London Mayoral candidate Simon Hughes today revealed new figures that show more than 50,000 school children across London are missing out on free school meals they are entitled to.

The figures revealed in Parliamentary answers to the Liberal Democrats show that 27,850 primary and 22,990 secondary school children in London are missing out. In certain London boroughs up to one in three children are not eating school meals they are eligible for.

Simon said:-

"With obesity figures rocketing amongst children from poorer backgrounds, it is essential that kids from all social backgrounds are given the opportunity to eat healthily.

"It is shocking that more than 50,000 school children in London are not taking up their right to a free school meal.

"There is absolutely no point in the Government offering needy pupils free school meals if the food is of such a poor nutritional standard that children would rather go with out.

"Ministers, the Mayor and Local Education Authorities must work together to make sure that these kids are not missing out at school on healthy, nutritious meals."

ENDS

Notes to editors

Details of the number of primary and secondary school kids eligible and not taking up free school meals by London Borough are available on request by e-mailing r.stokoe@libdems.org.uk