HC Deb 22 November 1934 vol 295 c233
8. Mr. RHYS DAVIES

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether, in view of the uncertainty that would hang over local authorities in securing the sanction of the district auditor to extra payments for Grade A (T.T.) milk for school children, he will take the necessary steps to remove that uncertainty?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the BOARD of EDUCATION (Mr. Ramsbotham)

No, Sir. This particular matter is one which, in my noble Friend's opinion, must be left to the discretion of the district auditor.

Mr. DAVIES

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it is grossly unfair to throw a matter of policy upon the district auditor for determination, and would it not be much better to let the local authority know definitely whether it can or cannot pay from its own coffers the difference in the price of milk for school children?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I am afraid the position of the district auditor is more or less quasi-judicial and that I cannot intervene in the matter.

Mr. PALING

Is not the Minister of Health doing his best to secure the highest grade of milk for these children, and is this very helpful towards that Department?