§ 30. Dr. MARION PHILLIPSasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the proposed reductions in the amount of unemployment benefit, he will advise local authorities to extend the provision now made by them for supplying milk to necessitous mothers and children?
Mr. CHAMBERLAINI do not think it is necessary for me to address any special communication to local authorities 1024 on this subject. The extension of this service is now a matter within the discretion of those authorities, and in considering the question they will no doubt pay regard to such circumstances as are mentioned in Circular 1222 and in particular to the question whether an extension of the service is required on urgent grounds of public health.
§ Dr. PHILLIPSDoes not the circular to which the right hon. Gentleman refers, urge, not extensions but economies in this service; and, in that case, will the local authorities not take it to mean that they are advised against extensions, and that they ought not to think of making them, unless they are told that they will be considered suitable exceptions?