HC Deb 28 November 1946 vol 430 cc345-6W
107. Mr. Lipson

asked the Minister of Education if she has considered the information sent, to her relating to a milk-drinking competition at a school in Exeter, which was won by a 15-years-old boy, 5 feet 10 inches in height and 11 stones in weight, who drank 12 full bottles. while several runners-up failed to manage the 12th; and whether a competition of this kind has her approval or what action she is taking against those responsible for organising it.

Mr. Hardman

Careful inquiries have been made into this allegation, which first appeared in a letter to the Press. On the information available in the absence of the name of the school which the writer of the letter is unwilling to give, there is reason to think that the allegation, though exaggerated, has some basis in fact. It clearly relates, however, not to any authorised competition but to a prank which occured without the knowledge of any teacher. I am satisfied from the report I have received that the teachers in all the grant-aided schools in Exeter are fully aware of the instructions contained in a Circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, about preventing waste of milk, that the arrangements for milk in these schools are sound and that in fact great care is taken to prevent waste.