§ 14. Mr. CASSELLSasked the Secretary of State for Scotland why Glasgow has been specially selected for the milk-in-schools scheme during the forthcoming summer holidays; and why Scotland is treated in a different manner as compared with England in the application of the said scheme?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe Scottish Milk Marketing Board were of opinion that their experimental scheme of children's milk centres, as a supplement to the main milk-in-schools scheme, could most suitably and satisfactorily be carried out in selected districts in Glasgow. No discrimination has been made such as is suggested in the second part of the question. Unlike the two schemes in the North and North-East of Scotland the milk-in-schools scheme of the Scottish Milk Marketing Board meantime provides for the supply of milk on school-days only, but it is open to the board, should the situation require, to modify that scheme so as to include holidays. Owing to difficulties of administration, including the difficulty of persuading children to attend schools on non-school days and holidays, the supplementary scheme in Glasgow has been organised by the board with a view partly to exploring an alternative method of distribution.
§ Mr. T. JOHNSTONIn view of the fact that the death rates in Scotland are worse than the death rates in England, can the right hon. Gentleman say why the children in Scotland should be prejudiced as compared with the children in England in this matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSI am not prepared to admit that school children in Scotland are prejudiced as compared with school children in England, and this experimental step of the Milk Marketing Board is an indication of their desire in this matter.
§ Mr. CASSELLSHave all responsible authorities in Scotland been written to in connection with this particular matter?
§ Sir G. COLLINSThe Scottish Milk Marketing Board has been entrusted by Parliament to deal with this matter.