HC Deb 21 September 1939 vol 351 c1044
13. Mrs. Adamson

asked the Minister of Health whether he is prepared to put into operation immediately the scheme for the provision of cheap milk for mothers and young children on the same basis as the milk-in-schools scheme, so as to ensure that the cheap milk will be available on application to any expectant and nursing mother and pre-school child?

Mr. Elliot

The scheme for this purpose which was made by the Milk Marketing Board and approved by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries came into operation on 31st July. I have received proposals under the scheme from a number of welfare authorities and these are at present being examined by my Department in consultation with the Milk Marketing Board and I hope it will be possible to put them into operation at an early date.

Mrs. Adamson

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to expedite the operation of this scheme, particularly in the reception areas?

Mr. Elliot

Yes, Sir; I am very anxious that it should be brought into operation as early as possible.

Mr. John Wilmot

Is the Minister aware that owing to the higher cost of living in many reception areas poor expectant mothers are denied the necessary amount of milk?

Mr. Elliot

That is all the more reason for trying to get these arrangements completed.

Mr. Macquisten

Is not the higher price of milk due to the machinations of the Milk Board?