Private Schools (Milk)

HC Deb 05 December 1968 vol 774 cc1826-7

25. Mr. Ridley

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what guidance he has given to local education authorities about providing free school milk to children in private schools.

Mr. Denis Howell

None, Sir.

Mr. Ridley

If there is to be a division whereby those who are in private schools do not get free milk while those in the State schools do, would it not be preferable if it were based on the wealth of the parents rather than on the school which the child attends?

Mr. Howell

The discretion offered is exactly the same as that which has operated under the Act since 1944. I find it odd that, at a time when hon. Members opposite are continually asking for cuts in public expenditure, they should request us to spend public money on people who have opted out of the State system of education.

Mr. English

Will my hon. Friend state the amount, which I believe has been ascertained, of subsidies to public schools at present?

Mr. Howell

I cannot do so without notice.