Free school meal plans defended

Free school meals has been one of the SNP's policies

The education secretary has defended Scottish Government plans to introduce free school meals for children in primaries one to three.

Certain councils had complained that they did not have the money to implement the free lunches.

Speaking at the SNP conference in Perth, Fiona Hyslop reiterated that the policy had been fully funded with £30m from 2010.

She added that Scotland's children would benefit from the proposals.

Healthy options

Ms Hyslop said: "Scotland is facing a health time bomb caused by rising obesity.

"Diabetes and heart disease are predicted to jump if we do not turn our nation off fatty foods and on to a healthy nutritious diet."

She added that trials of free meals in Fife, East Ayrshire, the Borders, West Dunbartonshire and Glasgow had proved popular among pupils.

She said: "It found that pupils were also taking up the healthy options we are making sure are on the menu; developing their taste for food that's good for them and promoting healthy eating habits.

"What's more, they were not just trying and enjoying new foods in school; they were going home and asking for new, healthier food at home."

She added: "The money is there. The councils have signed up. And out children will benefit."