HC Deb 10 November 1966 vol 735 cc1523-4
28. Mr. Marten

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the latest estimate of the amount spent in a year out of public funds on school milk and meals.

Mr. Redhead

In England and Wales in 1966–67, £81 million for school meals and £14 million for school milk.

Mr. Marten

As the hon. Gentleman says that he keeps this question under constant review, has he yet any proposals to make whereby the cost of this to public funds can be somewhat reduced in view of the other competing claims in education?

Mr. Redhead

I cannot go further than what was said in reply to a Question from the hon. Member for Surbiton (Mr. Fisher) on 4th August last—that this matter is kept under continuous review but no immediate change is proposed.

Mr. Rose

Is my hon. Friend aware that there would be the strongest possible opposition from this side of the House to any attempt to lower basic nutritional standards by removing subsidies on school meals and school milk?

Mr. Redhead

I note what my hon. Friend has said.