HC Deb 05 December 1946 vol 431 cc495-6
64. Mr. House

asked the Minister of Education what is the incidence of bovine tuberculosis among children under 15 years of age in the latest year for which figures are available; and what steps have been taken by her Department to secure a safe type of milk supply to schools.

Miss Wilkinson

I am informed by my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health that the incidence of bovine tuberculosis among children in this country is not exactly known but is estimated to be about 2,000 new cases a year. Measures are taken by the Ministry of Food to supply schools wherever possible with heat treated or tuberculin tested milk which now constitute 92.6 per cent. of the milk drunk in grant aided and independent schools. In the 18 months ended in June, 1946, 1,420 schools had their milk supply changed over to one of these types.

Mr. Hastings

Does my right hon. Friend realise that the figures she has given of the incidence of bovine tuberculosis would be considered very low by the majority of authorities?

67. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Education if she is satisfied that the instructions laid down by her for the disposal of milk rendered surplus in schools owing to children being absent from school or for any other reason, are, in fact, observed.

Miss Wilkinson

On the information so far received, I have; no reason to doubt that the instructions are generally well observed, but a close watch is being kept by my Department in cooperation with the Ministry of Food.

Mr. Lipson

Have schools to make a return to the local food officer showing what happens to surplus milk?

Miss Wilkinson

Yes, full records have to be kept.

68. Mr. Turton

asked the Minister of Education what instructions she has issued to ensure that milk not drunk by children in schools is not wasted.

Miss Wilkinson

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which was given to the hon. and gallant Member for Ludlow (Lieut.-Colonel Corbett) on 9th October. I am sending him a copy of the Circular referred to.

Mr. Turton

Has the right hon. Lady seen the reports in the Press about what is happening in certain schools in Wales, where milk not drunk on Monday is kept until Friday and then poured down the sink, and has she investigated these complaints?

Miss Wilkinson

I would ask the hon. Gentleman not to believe everything he reads in the Press.

Mr. Turton

But has the right hon. Lady investigated the complaints, and has she issued a categorical denial to the Press if they are unfounded?

Miss Wilkinson

If my Department or any other spent its time investigating general allegations, often made without either evidence, dates or places, they would have little time to do their ordinary work.