§ 35. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will review the present basis for the supply of free school milk.
§ Mr. CroslandThese matters are of course continuously under review, but I do not have it in mind to make any changes at present.
§ Mr. MartenWhile appreciating that Answer, may I ask the Minister if he is quite satisfied that milk is at all times of the year the best way to use our resources for these children? Would not fruit be better for them.
§ Mr. CroslandThis is a matter on which I have the continuous benefit of medical views. It is interesting that in infant and junior schools the take-up of free milk is well into the 90 per cent. area, and I am absolutely certain that the free milk scheme fulfils an important social and medical function. Possibly the more controversial part of the scheme is in secondary schols, where the take-up is a great deal lower, being just over 60 per cent.