HC Deb 20 April 1939 vol 346 cc479-80
18. Mr. Pilkington

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education which Lancashire local authorities are supplying to school children one pint of milk a day; and also which authorities deliver the milk to the homes concerned during the holidays?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education (Mr. Kenneth Lindsay)

I understand that in the Lancashire county area and in Wigan the amount of free milk supplied to necessitous undernourished children who do not also receive free dinners is usually one pint a day. In the other Lancashire areas where free milk is given the usual amount is either one-third or two-thirds of a pint, though some children receive a pmt a day. Where arrangements are made for the supply to be continued during the holidays the children attend centres where the milk is distributed; so far as I am aware the milk is not in any case delivered by the local education authority to the homes of the children, but if a child is prevented by illness from attending the centre the parents can arrange for the milk to be taken to the child's home.

Mr. Pilkington

Does not the hon. Gentleman think it will be better to raise the amount of milk given in ail cases to a pint, as a certain amount of distress is felt in those areas where the two systems are working side by side?

Mr. Lindsay

We urge that at least two-thirds of a pint should be given, but it is up to the local education authorities.

Mr. Kirkwood

Is it really the case that there are people in this country, not refugees, who axe so hard up that we have to come to this House and beg for them to be given a pint of milk a day? Is that the case?

Mr. Lindsay

No, Sir.

Mr. McEntee

What percentage of local authorities supply milk during the holidays?

Mr. Lindsay

I could not say without notice. I shall be pleased to let the hon. Member know.