62. Major Lloydasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that under the National Milk Scheme for expectant and nursing mothers and children under five years of age parents are asked to complete a form every three months stating that the child concerned is under five years of age, and to obtain the signature of a doctor or similar responsible person; and, in view of the waste of time and labour involved for doctors, parents and the officials of his own Department, he will have this procedure altered so as to make the completion of these forms less frequent?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe procedure for the renewals of application and permits every quarter was imposed to provide a substantial check against the abuse of the benefits provided by the National Milk Scheme. The signature of a responsible person is necessary in order to vouch for the particulars given on the application form. A doctor forms only one of a list of persons who would be acceptable for this purpose. I am, however, having the position examined, in order to ascertain if it will be possible to make the permits valid for six instead of three months without prejudicing the safeguards necessary in the national interest.