§ 1. Mr. Martenasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will advise local education authorities to treat State schools and independent schools equally and alike over the free issue of school milk.
§ Mr. MartenIn the interests of both the children and the parents, should there not be either proper selectivity, now that that is an accepted principle of the Labour Party, or, until that time has arrived, equality of treatment between independent and State schools in the issue of free milk to primary students?
Mr. WalkerThe difference in treatment of pupils at maintained and non-maintained schools is inherent in the 1944 Act. That is what governs us. Local authorities have an obligation in regard to maintained schools and a power to provide it for independent schools. It is inherent in the Act.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamCan the right hon. Gentleman say why it should be less desirable or more desirable for children to have milk at one type of school rather than at another?
Mr. WalkerI have not said that. I have said that the distinction is inherent in the Act which we have worked under since 1944.
Mr. Bob BrownWill my right hon. Friend refute the ludicrous suggestion referring to free school milk currently appearing in this full page advertisement in the Press, a copy of which I hold?