HC Deb 03 February 1971 vol 810 cc1654-6
16. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he had with the Scottish medical authorities before he took the decision to discontinue school milk to the over-sevens at primary schools; what advice he received; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Edward Taylor

No special discussions were necessary.

Mr. Hamilton

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that before the Labour Government ceased to give milk to secondary pupils they had consultations with the British Medical Association? Can he tell us what impact the loss of school milk will have on the nutritional status of children attending primary schools, particularly children from large families? Will he not seek medical advice before introducing such niggardly action?

Mr. Taylor

The medical advice available to me is that no untoward consequences need follow this action, any more than they followed the action of the Labour Government in deciding to end free milk to secondary schools in September, 1968. However, as a matter of prudence—and I accept what the hon. Gentleman says on this point—arrangements are being made now to keep a watch on the long-term nutritional status of the groups affected by changes in the school milk and welfare milk schemes.

Mr. Murray

Does not the hon. Gentleman agree that he gave on undertaking to the Oposition on two occasions that he would have such consultations? Can he therefore explain the answer he has given? Does not he agree that young people between the ages of 7 and 18 do not have votes, and, on the basis of "no taxation without representations", does not he further agree that it is unreasonable to visit such economies—and this is the falsest of false economies—in public expenditure on these large groups? Does not he further agree that deleterious effects from the ending of free milk will not show themselves for another decade? In these circumstances, does not he accept that this is something he should consider again in the most serious light?

Mr. Taylor

When I said that no special discussions were necessary, I was pointing out that we are constantly receiving medical advice on this and other matters. On the general information available to me about the state of health of school children, and in view of the widespread realisation that indiscriminate subsidies are not the best way of providing effective help for those whose need is greatest, I believe that this action was right.

Dr. Millar

Will the hon. Gentleman please make a distinction between statistical evidence of problems and the families who are involved? It is quite simple to get a situation where statistically there is no great problem seemingly but where nevertheless a considerable number of families are affected by what my hon. Friend the Member for Bothwell (Mr. James Hamilton) rightly called this niggardly action by the Government.

Mr. Taylor

It is fair to point out that no medical body has made representations to me on the subject. I assure the House that arrangements are being made to watch the situation.

Mr. Hamilton

On a point of order. Mr. Speaker, in view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest opportunity.