HC Deb 03 July 1967 vol 749 cc1249-50
7. Mr. Archer

asked the Minister of Health what measures he proposes to take to ensure that all families with children under five years of age and incomes at or below supplementary benefit level receive free welfare milk.

Mr. Snow

Entitlement to free welfare milk is already made widely known through leaflets, posters, personal advice from health visitors and in other ways. The current leaflet is being revised and other ways of increasing publicity are being considered.

Mr. Archer

Does my hon. Friend accept that in both the cases I put to him the family concerned has already satisfied one authority that it is a low-income family and in need of help? Administratively is it not inconvenient, and from a humane point of view is it not heartless, to submit the families to another grilling to establish the same point?

Mr. Snow

I do not quite understand the reference to a grilling. When families are in need, welfare foods are available free against tokens issued by the Supplementary Benefits Commission. The Commission determines entitlement, and inquiries for free supplies should be made at its local offices.