By Steve Bargeton, political editor

THERE WAS overwhelming backing from MSPs last night for plans for free school meals for all five-to-seven year-olds.

The Scottish Government wants to extend free lunches to all pupils in primaries one, two and three from August 2010.

Trials of free meals trials in parts of Scotland including Fife saw a dramatic increase in the number of youngsters taking school meals.

It is estimated the policy will cost between £30 million and £40 million a year, benefiting 118,000 children.

Last week Holyrood’s education committee narrowly gave the green light to the proposal, with only the three SNP members actually voting for it.

But yesterday after a debate on the issue the SNP and Labour eventually backed the move by 87 votes to 28, with the Tories and Lib Dems voting against.

A Labour amendment stating this “in itself will not deliver one free school meal” and calling on the government to bring forward detailed costings for its proposal was defeated by 77 votes to 38.

A Tory amendment calling on the government not to impose any financial penalty on councils that exercise their discretion not to provide the free meals was also rejected, by 62 votes to 53.

Labour MSPs sought assurances that other services, like school breakfast clubs, would not be cut.

The Tories and Lib Dems thought the money could be better spent elsewhere.

Yesterday’s vote does not commit councils to bringing in free meals for all five to seven-year-olds in August 2010, but allows them to if they so wish.

Under the concordat with the Scottish Government, councils have agreed to bring in the measure.

However, many councils have questioned whether they will have sufficient funds to implement it.

Last night the SNP hit out at the Tories and Lib Dems for not backing the plan.

“With an estimated 118,000 pupils poised to benefit from free school meals as a result of today’s vote, this is excellent news for Scotland’s children,” said education committee member Aileen Campbell.

“However, the failure of some opposition parties to vote for today’s legislation shows where their priorities really lie.

“This was a disgraceful vote by the Lib Dems— possibly their lowest point in the parliament since devolution.

“We expect Tories not to care about improving the health of Scotland’s children or stigmatising them, but people will be astonished that the Lib Dems voted to take the food from the mouths of Scotland’s children.

“This shows just how right wing and out of touch the Lib Dems have become —no wonder they lost their deposits in Glasgow East and Glenrothes.

“Despite evidence from across civic Scotland such as charities, churches, trade unions, and anti-poverty groups that this policy will play a key role in improving children’s education, health and wellbeing, their failure to support the extension of free school meals speaks volumes about Lib Dem priorities in these times.

“With 90,000 children in poverty currently excluded from free school meals, the SNP’s actions will not only improve health but will take steps to tackle poverty across the country and at a time when there are serious economic concerns.”

Fife Council leader Peter Grant has already indicated his intention to provide the free meals to all primary one to three children, although the policy will have to go before the full council for a vote.

The SNP-Lib Dem council helped to pilot the scheme this year and it has estimated a full year will cost it £2.76 million.

Mr Grant expressed hope Fife will be able to finance the meals without asking Holyrood for extra money.

The pilot was declared a huge success in the region, with an increase in the uptake of meals from 50% to 77%.

A recent report to the education committee said it had been relatively straightforward to implement, although more crockery, cutlery and tables were needed, as well as some extra staff.

Because some dining areas and kitchens were not designed to accommodate the increase in numbers, lunchtimes were staggered and more staff provided.

Dundee education convener Councillor Kevin Keenan last night backed free school lunches in principle but was far from certain they would be introduced across the city.

All too aware the city and the world are facing grim economic times ahead, Mr Keenan was not certain the funds would be available.

“I would not like to introduce something I would have to withdraw a year down the line because we are looking at serious cuts (to the budget),” he said.

Mr Keenan said that ultimately any decision on free meals will be taken by all 29 councillors after a debate, informed by costings to be provided by council staff.

“It has got to be something we have clearly costed and can manage,” said Mr Keenan.

His personal opinion is that if the choice must be made between cutting breakfast clubs and providing free lunches, he would favour breakfast clubs.

In his discussions with teachers, he has been impressed by the positive effect being given breakfast can have on a child’s learning.

Angus Council’s education committee members agreed that further reports will be provided when decisions have to be made on future plans.

Education convener Peter Nield insisted the Scottish Government will have to cough up the cash for the scheme or cuts to other services will have to be made in Angus.