HC Deb 20 May 1954 vol 527 cc2286-7
42. Mr. Harold Davies

asked the Minister of Education if she is aware that the children at the Warslow School which is in rural area near Leek have neither arrangements for hot meals nor school milk; and whether she will make arrangements for the provision of milk and meals at this remote country school.

Miss Horsbrugh

Yes, Sir, but I cannot undertake that it will be possible in the near future to overcome the difficulties which have hitherto prevented this provision from being made.

Mr. Davies

Is the right hon. Lady aware that this school is in a remote rural area? Out of fairness to the children of rural England, will she see that they have the same meal and milk facilities as those in the cities? Will she exercise a little ingenuity to find a little extra finance for this school and this area for the supply of milk?

Miss Horsbrugh

There are particular difficulties. The local education authority is exploring the possibility of obtaining meals from a Derbyshire school. The local education authority and the Ministry of Food have tried for a long time to arrange for a supply of safe liquid milk, but as yet they have been unsuccessful.

Mr. Davies

Will the right hon. Lady apply her ingenuity to this problem?

Miss Horsbrugh

I will certainly do my very best. I realise the difficulties, but I am sure that the local education authority, the Ministry of Food and the Ministry of Education will all try to see how they can be solved.