'Give school meals to all'

Councils should consider offering free school meals to all primary pupils, not just those from poor families, Schools Minister Stephen Twigg said today. He praised Labour-controlled Hull City Council which has adopted the policy as part of a drive to encourage healthy eating and raise school achievement.

The minister said he would welcome other education authorities following the example, by asking the Government to exempt them from the law which means they must charge for meals except

where children's families qualify for social security benefits.

All children at primary schools in Hull - where educational achievement is among the worst in the country - will get a healthy breakfast, fresh fruit during the day, lunch, and refreshments at afterschool activities. The bill is being met entirely by the local authority.

"One in 12 six-year-olds are obese. We must put this right," Mr Twigg said.