§ 16. Mr. James Hamiltonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions she had with the British Medical Association before she took the decision to discontinue school milk to the over-sevens at primary schools; what advice she received; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. ThatcherPupils up to 12 who need milk on health grounds will continue to receive it on the certification of the school medical officer. The answer to the first part of the question is, "None, Sir".
§ Mr. HamiltonIs the right hon. Lady aware that before the Labour Government decided to stop giving school milk to secondary pupils they studied the advice of the British Medical Association, and that there is very strong medical opinion that it will be detrimental to children's health if we cease giving them milk when they are over the age of seven? Will she now seek medical advice before the Government take this niggardly action?
§ Mrs. ThatcherIt would have been most unusual to consult the British Medical Association. The Government would have been much more likely to consult the Chief Medical Officers Committee. But as milk is to continue to be given on medical grounds, there did not seem to be any need to do that.
§ Mr. Edward ShortWhat is to come of the right hon. Lady's plan to sell milk in primary schools now that she has discovered that she has no power to do so?
§ Mrs. ThatcherI hope that legislation will be introduced later in the year.
§ Mr. HamiltonOn a point of order. Because of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply to my Question, may I give notice that I shall seek to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment?