HC Deb 17 April 1969 vol 781 cc1309-10
12. Mr. Speed

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what is the cost per pupil in providing free milk in primary schools.

Miss Bacon

Approximately £2 14s. 0d. per year.

Mr. Speed

Might I declare my interest in this matter, in that I have a son at primary school? Does not the right hon. Lady agree that most parents would be prepared to meet this charge if, by so doing, they could improve educational standards?

Miss Bacon

I do not think that that matter arises on this Question, which is essentially concerned with the cost of providing free milk to children in primary schools.

Mr. Will Griffiths

Will my right hon. Friend resist all of these mean advocacies to abolish free milk for children in primary schools? Has she seen the report of a survey which was carried out in East London which revealed that an alarming number of children go to school without having had a proper meal in the morning and some go without having had a proper meal the night before?

Miss Bacon

I agree with my hon. Friend about that.