FREE SCHOOL MEALS PILOT FOR STOKE-ON-TRENT

That this House welcomes the introduction of new pilot schemes for universal free school meals in schools; believes that universal free school meals have a positive effect on the health and educational attainment of pupils; notes that 26 per cent. of primary school children in Stoke-on-Trent are already eligible for free school meals; understands that many of those eligible do not currently take up free school meals; and calls on the Government to work with Stoke-on-Trent City Council and the free school meal campaigners in the city to build on the healthy eating agenda already underway in Stoke-on-Trent to establish a free school meals pilot there.