§ 29. Brigadier-General CLIFTON BROWNasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether any milk is supplied to elementary schools which has undergone one of the forms of heat treatment which do not comply with the terms of the Milk (Special Designations) Order, but are incorrectly spoken of as pasteurisation, in unlicensed plants free from inspection?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMThe approval of the source and quality of the supply of milk under the milk in schools scheme rests with the medical officer of health. The board have urged in their Circular 1437 that in areas where a supply of efficiently pasteurised milk is available, such milk should in all cases be provided. I am unable; to say to what extent medical officers have approved the supply of milk which has undergone a form of heat treatment in an unlicensed plant.
Brigadier-General BROWNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that I have already asked this question of the Minister of Health? He now refers me to the Minister of Health, who has refused to answer. May I ask whether the education authorities or the Ministry of Health are responsible?
§ Mr. RAMSBOTHAMObviously, the medical officers of health approve the source and the quality of the milk, and the matter rests with them.
Brigadier-General BROWNThen can I have an answer to the question which the Minister of Health refused to give me? I beg to give notice that I shall raise this question on a future occasion.