§ 21. Mr. Chetwyndasked the Minister of Education whether she will permit local education authorities to let the contracts for the supply of school milk by competitive tender.
§ Miss HorsbrughExpenditure on milk supplied under the milk in schools scheme is borne on the Vote of my right hon. and gallant Friend the Minister of Food. The question of competitive tendering is at present under discussion between my Department and his.
§ Mr. ChetwyndIs it not a fact that that is soon to be transferred to the right hon. Lady's Department, and does she not consider that it would be possible to make considerable savings on the £9 million already spent on school milk by allowing authorities to put it out to tender? Would not that saving help to pay for the additional charge on school meals?
§ Miss HorsbrughAs I have said, it is the responsibility of the Minister of Food. If at any time any of the responsibility falls upon me, I will do my best to carry it out.