HC Deb 04 April 1935 vol 300 cc511-2
13. Mr. SMEDLEY CROOKE

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will consider the advisability of obtaining powers whereby milk can be supplied to young children in nursery schools as is provided for children in elementary schools?

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

The scheme for the supply of milk in schools at reduced rates applies to all full-time schools recognised for grant by the Board of Education and is therefore applicable to all grant-earning nursery schools.

Mr. CROOKE

Is it the case that milk is supplied to nursery schools if they are recognised by the Board of Education?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

I have just said that the milk scheme is applicable to all grant-earning schools, including nursery schools.

Viscountess ASTOR

Am I not right in saying that milk is supplied to nursery schools which have not yet been recognised by the Board of Education?

14. Mr. GORDON MACDONALD

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of school children receiving milk, specifying the number receiving free milk, in Lancashire in December, 1931, and at the latest date on which figures are available, respectively?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

About 1,000 children were receiving free milk in December, 1931, in public elementary schools maintained by the Lancashire County Council. In February, 1935, the number had increased to about 10,000. No figures are available as to the number of children paying for milk in December, 1931, but I hope in a few weeks to be able to give the number of children receiving milk free and on payment in each area at the end of March this year

Mr. MACDONALD

Is this increase due to the increase of poverty in Lancashire?

Major COLFOX

Is it not a fact that many more school children would be receiving milk if the ridiculous regulation regarding pasteurisation was annulled?

Mr. RAMSBOTHAM

The obvious answer is that there is a more efficient administration.