§ 32. Rear-Admiral Beamishasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food what plans he has in view for the reorganisation of the milk distributing industry?
§ 40. Sir Herbert Williamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether it is intended to introduce any changes in the methods of milk distribution?
§ Mr. BoothbyI regret that I am unable to make any statement on this matter until my Noble Friend has received the report of the Committee which he has appointed to advise him on the costs of milk distribution.
§ Rear-Admiral BeamishHas the Minister any idea when this report is likely to be received?
§ Mr. BoothbyWe expect it before the end of this month.
37. Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food the number of persons entitled to benefit by the cheap or free milk scheme, and the actual numbers now receiving the same with the percentage in receipt of free milk?
§ Mr. BoothbyThe particulars desired by my hon. Friend are being obtained, and I will send them to him as soon as possible.
§ Mr. ThorneIs there any shortage of milk, because it is very difficult to obtain even a small glass of milk in a restaurant? Even this morning I found it difficult to obtain a glass of milk.
§ Mr. BoothbyNo, Sir, so far as I am aware, but if the hon. Member will send me particulars, I will be glad to look into them.
Mr. AdamsAs there happens to be a wide discrepancy between those who can take advantage of the scheme and those who do not, will special steps be taken to bring it to general notice?
§ Mr. BoothbyYes, Sir. There is a smaller percentage taking advantage of the scheme in Scotland compared with England, and steps have been taken to draw the attention of the Scottish public to the scheme.
Miss RathboneIs it not a fact that there is a special need for co-operation between the health and education authorities, and a special need for provision for children who are of school age but who are unable to attend school? At the present time they are not provided for in the free and cheapened food schemes.
§ Mr. BoothbyNo, Sir, the hon. Member is misinformed. Under a recent decision all children under five, whether at school or not, can now be provided for.
Miss RathboneMy Question refers to children over five who are prevented from attending school for health reasons or because the schools have closed down. I think the Minister will find that that is a neglected class under the present arrangement.
§ Mr. BoothbyThey do not come under this scheme.