HC Deb 10 November 1971 vol 825 cc983-4
6. Mr. James Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many local authorities and other organisations have written to him about the cessation of supplying free milk to the over-sevens.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

Eighteen local authorities and 14 other organisations have made representations about the withdrawal of free milk from pupils over seven.

Mr. Hamilton

Will the Secretary of State now recognise that virtually every organisation in Scotland is opposed to this Act? Will he also recognise that, unlike the case of school meals, the poorer sections of the community cannot pay for the necessary milk for the over-sevens? Will the right hon. Gentleman now reconsider the position and do something for the future citizens of Scotland?

Mr. Campbell

I would not agree that everyone is against the Act. I am aware that some in Scotland dislike its provisions. Parliament spent a long time over this Act and I have discussed with local authority representatives how the provisions can be best carried out with the minimum of inconvenience and difficulty.

Mr. David Steel

Is the Secretary of State aware that among the organisations which have made representations to him is the education committee of Peebles-shire which by no stretch of the imagination could be described as a left-wing organisation? Will he take note that there is widespread and genuine anger at this very mean Measure which he has introduced?

Mr. Campbell

I did not indicate that the objections had come from any particular political quarter and I am aware, as I said in my earlier reply, that there are objections and there is dislike, but it is not universal. I am aware that there are difficulties and I have discussed these with the local authorities' representatives.

Mr. Galbraith

Have these local authorities which have protested brought any proof to bear that the children of Scotland are suffering from malnutrition in any way?

Mr. Campbell

No. The problem I have discussed with them is how the medical side should be carried out, and I have made it clear to them that the decisions about individual children must be left to the medical profession—I am sure that the hon. Member for Greenock (Dr. Dickson Mabon) would support that —and that any child can be referred for medical inspection but that it is not necessary that all children over seven should be submitted for medical inspection.

Mr. Buchan

Can the Secretary of State name one single education authority which has welcomed or approved this Measure? Second, would he now confirm that there is nothing in the Act to stop each and every child in Scotland receiving free milk, once he makes quite clear to all medical officers of health what the Secretary of State for Education has confirmed to me, that preventive factors can be taken into consideration? Is not the way now open for each and every child to be given milk?

Mr. Campbell

The large majority of education authorities in Scotland are carrying out the provisions of the Act. Its interpretation is a matter which should be dealt with by the authorities with their own advisers.