It was just a coincidence that the Bay City Rollers had tartan trousers too, wasn't it, Roger?
The contrast between over eating and starving kids isn't necessarily a sentimental ploy, Mince. It's an emphasis on an unequality, no more no less. Being aware that one has plenty while others have nowt, isn't a bad thing. Drawing attention to that contrast isn't either. The whole song is about imbalances, and that's why it's called "Nothing Rhymed". It's always been one of my favourite songs too.