HC Deb 25 June 1936 vol 313 cc1936-7
5. Miss WARD

asked the Minister of Labour whether any scheme for the supplying of milk to expectant mothers has ever been submitted by Mr. Malcolm Stewart?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

I know that the Commissioner is anxious to assist a scheme of this kind, but no formal proposal has so far been submitted to my right hon. Friend. The matter is still under consideration, but it has not as yet proved possible to complete satisfactory arrangements with the organisations concerned in the supply and distribution of milk.

Miss WARD

Can my hon. and gallant Friend say for what reason the scheme failed to come to maturity so far as informal conversations were concerned?

Viscountess ASTOR

If it has taken so long to get this done, would it not be a practical step to appoint a few women to go up there and see that these things do get done?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

It has not proved possible to make satisfactory arrangements with the organisations concerned for the supply and distribution of milk. I think hon. Members will realise that very often preliminary conversations are perhaps more important than actual formal negotiations.

Miss WARD

Could my hon. and gallant Friend say what organisations stood in the way?