Chamber
Plenary, 22 Mar 2007
22 Mar 2007 · S2 · Plenary
Item of business
First Minister's Question Time
Poverty
I am aware of the report and of the important issues it raises. One of the most important ways for us to tackle the issue is to work in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, the Treasury and the other UK Government departments on our responsibilities for education, skills, child care, the regeneration of our communities, the creation of employment and in areas such as the provision of school meals.
I hope that coalition partners will allow me to say that I believe that we should target an extension of free school meals on those families who had free school meals taken away from them by the Conservative Government in the late 1980s, when it hypocritically and deceitfully changed the benefits system and, by a sleight of hand, reduced the opportunity for a free school meal for a range of people who were in work but still in poverty. It is important that we target an extension of free school meals on those families, rather than adopt the universal approach that would allow free school meals for those who can afford them.
I hope that coalition partners will allow me to say that I believe that we should target an extension of free school meals on those families who had free school meals taken away from them by the Conservative Government in the late 1980s, when it hypocritically and deceitfully changed the benefits system and, by a sleight of hand, reduced the opportunity for a free school meal for a range of people who were in work but still in poverty. It is important that we target an extension of free school meals on those families, rather than adopt the universal approach that would allow free school meals for those who can afford them.
In the same item of business
3. Campbell Martin (West of Scotland) (Ind):
Ind
To ask the First Minister whether tackling poverty among the working poor is a Scottish Executive priority. (S2F-2797)
The First Minister (Mr Jack McConnell):
Lab
We are committed to tackling poverty and disadvantage in Scotland, including among the working poor, and we are working with the UK Government to do so. Our ...
Campbell Martin:
Ind
Everyone wants to tackle poverty and eradicate low wages. Is the First Minister aware of the "Voices of people experiencing poverty in Scotland: Everyone mat...
The First Minister:
Lab
I am aware of the report and of the important issues it raises. One of the most important ways for us to tackle the issue is to work in partnership with the ...
Campbell Martin:
Ind
Does the First Minister accept that the main cause of poverty among the working poor is low wages and that we need to raise them to eradicate such poverty? I...
Mr Frank McAveety (Glasgow Shettleston) (Lab):
Lab
What a shock: the council is trying to bring jobs to Ayrshire.
Campbell Martin:
Ind
I am coming to Frank McAveety. Under the heading, "Wage Levels", the policy says:"Average Gross Hourly pay in North Ayrshire is £8.75 compared to £10.17 in S...
The First Minister:
Lab
I accept that Campbell Martin is committed to tackling poverty and I answered his first question positively for that reason, but I do not accept his attempt ...