HC Deb 02 April 1974 vol 871 cc1067-8
2. Mr. Janner

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if he will take steps to reintroduce free milk for school children.

Mr. Prentice

The possibility of restoring free school milk to the pupils from whom it was withdrawn in 1971 by the Education (Milk) Act is among the many matters which the Government are considering, but no decision has yet been reached. It would require legislation.

Mr. Janner

Is my right hon. Friend aware that such legislation would be regarded as of extreme importance by those of us on the Government side of the House who regarded the withdrawal of free school milk as one of the meanest acts of the previous administration?

Mr. Prentice

I agree that the decision of the last administration was mean, and I regret that it occurred. My position on this, as on so many matters, is that I have inherited situations which I dislike and oppose. In trying to reverse them one is forced to make difficult decisions about priorities and to take time in deciding what those priorities are.

Miss Fookes

Does the right hon. Gentleman agree that it was a mean decision when the original withdrawal of milk was made by the previous Labour administration?

Mr. Prentice

Most people who have studied this matter have differentiated between the requirements of secondary school children and primary school children.