§ 18. Mr. HARCOURT JOHNSTONEasked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the necessity of making contracts by 1st April, he can now state what arrangements are contemplated or have been made to assist the supply of milk in schools by means of his proposed grant of £500,000; 1619 whether the local education authorities are expected to co-operate in this work and how many local authorities have taken steps in this matter; whether any provision is to be made to guarantee the purity of the supplies; whether it is proposed to distribute the milk in bottles or in milk churns; whether the milk is to be given free of cost to the children and, if not, what price they are to pay; and, if the price to them is to be reduced, how is payment of the balance of the cost to be arranged?
§ The Minister of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Elliot)As I indicated in the statement which I made on the 22nd February, it is for the Milk Marketing Boards in the first instance to frame programmes for expenditure from the milk publicity fund, which must include arrangements for the supply of milk to schools at reduced rates. Pending the necessary legislation, and the submission of programmes by the Milk Marketing Boards, I am not in a position to make any statement on the points to which the hon. Member refers. I would add, however, that there is no reason to delay the conclusion of contracts in the ordinary way for the Supply of milk to schools for the summer contract period. It would, of course, he open to the parties to make provision for modification, if necessary, as a result of any programmes that may be submitted and approved.
§ Mr. JOHNSTONEWhen does the right hon. Gentleman anticipate that he will be able to make a statement?
§ Mr. ELLIOTI am afraid that I cannot give a date, but I will let my hon. Friend know as soon as possible.