Scrap free breakfast, say Tories

The scheme was rolled out exactly three years ago, but the Tories say just over half of primary schools are involved.

Education spokesman Alun Cairns said the breakfast funds could be better invested in other areas.

But the Welsh Assembly Government said it remained committed to the scheme and was actively promoting it to schools, where there was "great enthusiasm".

The breakfast policy for schools was first piloted in 2004, before all primary schools in Wales were invited to take part in January 2007.

The project was a key pledge in Labour's 2003 assembly election manifesto.

"Money used on projects like this could be used to help keep schools open in rural communities"
Alun Cairns AM, Conservative

Figures from the assembly government show that 52% of primary schools now offer a free breakfast to pupils.

But the Conservatives said that meant there were still about 800 schools in Wales which did not provide the service.

"It's time now to put this expensive and ill thought-out gimmick to bed," said Mr Cairns.

"In several areas, like Cardiff, Bridgend, Powys and Neath Port Talbot less than half of the schools in the area are offering free breakfasts. In Newport, only one school out of 59 has signed up."

'Flying start'

A total of £10m government funding has been set aside to provide school breakfasts in 2007 and 2008.

Mr Cairns added: "Money used on projects like this could be used to help keep schools open in rural communities or allow Wales' best schools to expand and build on their success.

But the scheme was defended by the assembly government.

"This initiative gives our youngest children a flying start in life," said a spokesperson.

"An independent evaluation recognised that there is a great deal of enthusiasm for the initiative amongst early adopters in schools.

"Our commitment is, and has always been, to provide the funding for all children of primary school age in maintained schools in Wales to have the opportunity to receive a free healthy breakfast at school each day."