§ 24. Mr. R. Gibsonasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the question of the increased price of milk in relation to the health of children of school age; and whether he has any statement to make on the subject?
§ Miss HorsbrughProvision is made in nearly all grant-aided schools for the supply of milk at the rate of ½d. for one-third of a pint under the milk-in-schools scheme. This is considerably less than half the ordinary retail price as recently increased. Provision is also made in most areas for necessitous under-nourished children to receive free milk. Only about half of the children not receiving free milk in schools where the scheme is in operation are taking advantage of the arrangements for cheap milk. My right hon. Friend the President of the Board of Education and I would welcome increased appreciation by parents of this opportunity of purchasing milk for their children at a very low price.
§ Miss HorsbrughThat is not part of the scheme. Each local authority has responsibilities and certain powers in dealing with milk.