HC Deb 24 May 1971 vol 818 cc11-3
9. Mr. George Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many children aged 7 to 11 years are attending schools in Wales; and what is the amount which he expects to save by the decision to end supplies of free milk to this age group.

19. Mr. Alec Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many schoolchildren in Wales will cease to receive free school milk following the Government's announcement on 27th October, 1970.

21. Mr. Barry Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Wales how many letters he has received advocating amendment of the Education (Milk) Bill, so that local education authorities could expend moneys to provide free school milk for pupils under 11 years of age; and what replies he has sent.

Mr. Peter Thomas

There are about 160,000 children aged 7–11 years attend- ing maintained primary schools in Wales. It is estimated that the withdrawal of free milk from this age group will save about £400,000 in a full year. No letters have been received in my Department advocating amendments to the Government's proposals.

Mr. George Thomas

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware that this unforgivable blow against the younger school-children in Wales will cost him far more than the £400,000 to which he has referred? Will he consult medical and educational authorities in Wales about the likely consequences of a combination of the deprivation of free school milk and the higher school meal charges? Has he taken into account the possibility of damage to the children of Wales through this wanton and foolish act?

Mr. Peter Thomas

This matter has been considered very carefully. It is the Government's view that it is a saving in Government money which can be made without any adverse effect on the health of the pupils. The right hon. Gentleman will know that children who require school milk on medical grounds will continue to receive free milk.

Mr. Barry Jones

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman not ashamed and humiliated to put his hand to this flinty and heartless measure? Could he not attempt to adjust this so as to enable milk to be paid for out of the rates by the local education authority?

Mr. Peter Thomas

This is a gross exaggeration. In this day and age it is not thought that one third of a pint of milk for a child for 200 days in the year, which will be supplementary to its diet at home and meals at school, is essential to ensure that our children are adequately nourished. The position is that if a child between the ages of 7 and 12 needs milk on medical grounds, it will get it free.

Mr. Fred Evans

Is the right hon. and learned Gentleman aware of Early Day Motion No. 554, standing in my name and the names of 162 hon. and right hon. Members, calling upon the Government to change their mind and allow local authorities to continue this service out of the rates? Has he read the studies by the Head of the Social Nutrition Research Unit, Dr. Lynch, of Queen Elizabeth College? Is he further aware that the Secretary of the Association of Education Committees, Sir William Alexander, has come out in support of this idea and that many other local authorities wish to continue with this service? Will he try to touch with some compassion the heart of the flinty female who is at present the Secretary of State for Education and Science?

Mr. Peter Thomas

This is a saving of Government expenditure. The money saved will be spent in those areas where it is considered that there is a greater need.

Mr. George Thomas

Sixpence off tax!

Mr. Peter Thomas

As to the point raised by the hon. Gentleman, the Bill has yet to receive a Second Reading, and there will be ample opportunity at this and subsequent stages for discussion of all aspects of the Government's proposals.

Mr. George Thomas

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