§ 17. Miss Lestorasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many children under the age of five he now estimates will cease to receive welfare milk as a result of Government action.
§ Sir K. JosephJust over three million in England, all of whom are, however, still entitled to National Dried Milk at 20p per pack, which is the equivalent of less than 3p per daily pint of liquid milk. Entitlement to free milk is extended by an estimated 25 per cent.
§ Miss LestorIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is some confusion in the country among those concerned with the under-fives as to why children attending any registered pre-school establishment will automatically receive free milk and yet most of those at home with their mothers will have to pay the full price for their milk? Will he explain the nutritional and dietary arguments that led to such a ridiculous stituation?
§ Sir K. JosephI do not think it is ridiculous. Our reasoning was that when children under five are away from their mother for several hours, as are the children with whom we are here concerned, there should be milk available, but when they are at home we can rely in practically every case on the mother providing the necessary nutrition there.