HC Deb 15 March 1973 vol 852 cc1467-8
28. Dr. Stuttaford

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what plans he has to encourage the consumption of milk and dairy produce amongst children following recent research indicating its importance as regards growth, details of which have been supplied to him.

Mr. Godber

Milk is available free to all primary school children up to around 7½ years of age and to certain other children, including primary school pupils with a medical requirement.

Dr. Stuttaford

Will the Minister confirm that recent work has shown that milk is an important factor in growth and that if we are to avoid the stunted generation that we had in the 'thirties he must encourage mothers to give their children more milk and he must encourage my right hon. Friends—his colleagues—to encourage mothers to do so?

Mr. Godber

It is only fair to explain that milk consumption per head in this country is much higher than in most other countries. The benefits of drinking milk, to which my hon. Friend referred, are well known. There is a committee on the medical aspects of food policy which has been locking into the question very closely, and I understand that it will soon be reporting.

Mr. Pavitt

Has the Minister seen the shocking report that for the first time in a generation rickets is now back in this country? As the committee which the right hon. Gentleman mentioned began monitoring 18 months ago, is it not time we had a report to the House about the effects of taking away school mink?

Mr. Godber

The question of school milk is one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. She answered this point about rickets in school children in a reply she gave to the House the other day.

Mr. Brocklebank-Fowler

Will my right hon. Friend tell the House what the consumption trends have been over the last 12 months?

Mr. Godber

The trends show that the consumption of milk has been rising for the first time in several years. In the last 12 months it rose by about 2 per cent. in this country.

Mr. David Stoddart

Is the Minister also aware that milk provides a protection—particularly in children—against lead poisoning, and will he take this into account in his deliberations? Having done so, will he restore free milk to all schoolchildren?

Mr. Godber

The question of school milk is one for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Education and Science. As for lead poisoning, the important thing is to encourage a substantial consumption of milk and this is taking place among our children and throughout the community as a whole.