§ Dr. Littleasked the Minister of Food the prices paid at present for potatoes in the several areas of Great Britain, respectively, and the price paid for same to the farmers of Northern Ireland.
§ Colonel LlewellinAs the price schedule is very long, I am sending my hon. Friend a copy of Statutory Rules & Orders, 1944, No. 1094, in which it is set out.
§ Sir L. Lyleasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the large allocation of milk made to school children, who also benefit by cheap milk in their homes, so that in some cases the allocation is 1752W greater than is needed, he will take steps to enable sick persons and old age pensioners, who rely largely on this commodity as their staple diet, to purchase a larger quantity than the civilian allocation of two pints per week.
§ Colonel LlewellinMilk supplied to school children in their homes is at the full price save for the small number under six years of age who hold the R.B.2 ration book under which milk is supplied at home at a reduced price. The quantities of milk allowed to school children are the minimum amounts which my medical advisers recommend are necessary for their nutritional requirements. I am not prepared, therefore, to reduce these quantities in order to provide extra milk for old age pensioners. Sick persons who suffer from certain specified illnesses, where milk is considered to be necessary on medical grounds, are able to receive a priority supply, of up to two pints per day.