§ 17. Mr. Dyeasked the Minister of Food what is the actual financial saving to date in the 14 Norfolk schools when the pupils have been without a supply of school milk this term; and what would have been the cost if the suppliers had continued their supplies with an extra charge for long distance delivery.
§ Mr. WebbSince 16th November, when my hon. Friend was given information in this House about the supply of milk to these schools, arrangements have been made to supply five of them; and officers of my Department and the local education authority are still pursuing every possible means of arranging for a suitable supply to the others. The incidental saving to the Exchequer has been about £350. I cannot say how much an extra charge for delivery would have cost, since the same charge would not necessarily be appropriate in every case.
§ Mr. DyeDoes not the Minister think that it is an awful thing that, for the sake of £350, children's milk at school should be stopped when their fathers are producing the milk? [Laughter.] I mean when the local industry has been producing plenty of milk? Is it only a question of the price which can be paid, since there is plenty of milk available there?
§ Mr. WebbI suppose that, if the only factor involved was the £350, it would seem rather awful, but there are other factors. I have called for a special report on the whole situation, and if anything further can be done, it will be done.