HC Deb 24 April 1939 vol 346 cc785-6
63. Mr. McEntee

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education the number of local education authorities in Great Britain; how many supply milk to school children; how many supply milk free to such children; and how many supply milk during school holidays?

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

As the answer includes a number of figures, I will, with the hon. Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. McEntee

Can the hon. Member answer the last part of the question—whether any steps are being taken to induce the local authorities to do so?

Mr. Lindsay

Yes, Sir, we are taking active steps.

Following is the answer:

The number of local education authorities in England and Wales is 315. Liquid milk is available for children attending some or all of the public elementary schools in the areas of 312 authorities; in two of the remaining three authorities dried milk preparations are provided. Two hundred and seventy-five authorities supply free milk to necessitous undernourished children. The latest information regarding provision during school holidays relates to the summer holidays, 1938; in 90 areas some arrangements were made whereby children obtained milk during those holidays. For information regarding Scotland, I would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.

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