HC Deb 10 April 1974 vol 872 cc419-20
19. Mr. Selby

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will introduce measures to restore to pupils over the age of 7 years in primary schools in Scotland a supply of milk without charge.

Mr. Robert Hughes

This is one of the questions to which my right hon. Friend is giving urgent consideration.

Mr. Selby

I am not satisfied with that answer. It avoids facing the issue. We are bombarded daily by the advertisement "Drink a pinta". Surely there is far too much milk. We should regard it as a priority to restore free milk to children who need it most—children between the ages of 7 and 12 who expend a lot of energy.

Mr. Speaker

Order. The hon. Gentleman must ask a question.

Mr. Hughes

I take my hon. Friend's point. That is certainly something which we criticised greatly when in Opposition, and certainly we are considering it at present

Mr. Monro

How many schoolchildren receive free school milk, and at what cost?

Mr. Hughes

I cannot answer that question without notice.