Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if he will make a comparative assessment of children's (a) behaviour, (b) educational outcomes and (c) obesity in areas which (i) have and (ii) have not provided free school meals for all primary school age children.

The provision of free school meals (FSM) to children from out-of-work families or those on low income is a top priority to the department.

The department has no current plans to conduct our own assessment of the effects of FSM for primary school pupils.

The department continues to monitor the rising cost of living, whilst working with other government departments on support surrounding this issue. The department thinks it is right that provision is aimed at supporting the most disadvantaged, those out of work or on the lowest incomes.

The department does not have any plans to extend universal provision, but we will continue to review FSM eligibility to ensure that these meals are supporting those who most need them.