§ 31. Mr. Marksasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science whether he will institute a survey of the nutritional effects of the ending of free school milk supplies to secondary school children.
§ Miss BaconThe Chief Medical Officers' Committee on Medical Aspects of Nutrition has already initiated a survey of the nutrition of school children in Kent. In addition, the normal school medical records will enable any significant trends to be detected.
§ Mr. MarksI am grateful to my right hon. Friend for that reply. Is she aware that many secondary school children leave home at about eight in the morning and do not get home until after six and have no opportunity for proper refreshment other than a school meal during the day? Is she aware that this would not be tolerated in industry and will she urge schools to provide adequate catering facilities for this lengthened day?
§ Miss BaconMy hon. Friend has a point. Many secondary schools provide facilities for children to buy the kind of refreshment they need. My hon. Friend will know that when there was free milk for children in secondary schools more than 40 per cent. of the children did not take it.