§ 73. Mr. MARCHasked the Minister of Health, with regard to the request which he has sent out to authorities to cut 2815 down the supplies of milk to expectant mothers and children who are attending the maternity and child welfare centres, whether he has suggested to what extent the cut should be made; whether he has received any protest from any authority upon this matter; and, if so, how many?
§ Sir K. WOODNo such request has been made, but in the ease of some local authorities certain suggestions as to procedure were made last March with a view to enabling them to keep their expenditure on milk during the present financial year within the amounts which my right hon. Friend was able to approve for grant. My right hon. Friend has received communications from 48 authorities requesting that these amounts should be increased, and in reply he has explained that the reduction in grant which is purely temporary had to be made in order to keep the grants paid by my Department for the health services within the amount voted by Parliament.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that at the Minister's suggestion these people definitely cut down the amount that they had previously spent on milk?
§ Sir K. WOODI should like notice of that question. Of course, local authorities have power, if they so desire, to spend further money.
§ Mr. PALINGIs it not a fact that the Minister suggested that they should cut down the grant?
§ Sir K. WOODNo. As I have stated, no such request was made.
§ Mr. MARCHIs it not a fact that if local authorities do spend more than is sanctioned by the Minister these people are surcharged?
§ Sir K. WOODI am not aware of any circumstances of the kind.