Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 January 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 January 2001. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2001 on behalf of the Department for Education and Employment.

Dept for Education and Employment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, if he will meet the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux to discuss a statutory power to provide assistance with school clothing costs to low income families; and if he will make a statement in respect of good practice guidance in school clothing grant schemes.

Answer: Ms Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will meet the National Association of Citizens' Advice Bureaux to discuss a statutory power to provide assistance with school clothing costs to low income families; and if he will make a statement in respect of good practice guidance in school clothing grant schemes. [146486] Jacqui Smith: I will be responding shortly to the National Association's correspondence about its report on school uniform costs. Local education authorities already have discretionary powers to offer grants towards school clothing costs in cases of hardship, and we have no current plans for further legislation. We have published good practice guidance on aspects of school uniforms, and I will be considering whether further guidance is needed.

Secondary information