§ 31. Mr. FREEMANasked the President of the Board of Education whether he will state the amount paid by the Government and the local authorities towards the cost of providing free milk to necessitous children last year; and whether, in view of the fact that all school children would be benefited by this provision and the large surplus of fresh milk being produced in this country, he will consider the desirability of increasing the Government contribution to encourage local authorities to provide a daily supply of milk for every child?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI regret that I have no material for a reliable estimate of the cost to local authorities and to the Exchequer, during last year, of the provision of free milk as distinct from free meals of other kinds provided for necessitous children. At the present time approximately 50,000 children are being supplied daily with free milk at a cost which may be estimated at £2,000 to £3,000 per 1795 week. I do not contemplate any increase in the percentage of this expenditure to be borne by the Exchequer.
§ Mr. FREEMANIs it not now recognised that all children would be benefited by a daily supply of free milk and, in view of the fact that only 10 per cent. are getting it, will the hon. Gentleman take steps to encourage local authorities to supply it to every child?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHI have encouraged local authorities in the most practical manner by regarding this as medical benefit and paying the special grant for medical purposes.
§ Mr. FREEMANIs it not a fact that only 10 per cent. of the children are getting it?
Mr. R. S. YOUNGIs the hon. Gentleman encouraging local education authorities to establish milk clubs in the schools?
§ Mr. LEES-SMITHThat is another question.