§ 39. Dr. MARION PHILLIPSasked the President of the Board of Education whether he is aware that recent investigations in England and Scotland have proved the great value of milk in the diet of children; and whether he can say to what extent comprehensive schemes for the supply of milk to school children are in operation in England and Wales?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANThe answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. With regard to the second part, I am glad to he able to say that an increasing number of children receive milk at school, either under schemes organised by the teachers through the National Milk Publicity Council, or under arrangements made by the local education authority. In Birmingham, for instance, over 3,250,000 bottles of milk were supplied to school children in 1928, representing a daily average of over 15,000 children. In Leeds more than half the school children receive milk under the exceptionally extensive arrangements made by the local education authority. I am having more detailed inquiries made, and when these are completed, I will communicate the results to my hon. Friend.
§ Mr. BUCHANANWill the right hon. Gentleman consider introducing legislation on similar lines to the Bill now before the House in regard to Scotland?
§ Sir C. TREVELYANI will wait until I have finished my inquiries.
§ Mr. SMITHERSWill the right hon. Gentleman use any powers that he has, or will he advise the local authorities to use all their powers, to get tuberculin-tested and grade A milk for giving to these children?
§ Mr. SPEAKERThat does not arise out of the question.