National Dried Milk (Hansard, 4 August 1976)

§ Mr. Deakins

Since the announcement earlier this year that it was unsuitable for very young children there has been a decline in the demand for National Dried Milk. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I have consulted bodies representative of the medical profession and other interests involved about the future of National Dried Milk and have concluded that the supply of National Dried Milk should be discontinued during 1977 and that there is no advantage in seeking to develop a Government brand of modified baby milk. There is, moreover, no reason to believe that a reformulated National Dried Milk would be cheaper to produce than proprietary brands.

Since 30th April proprietary brands of modified baby milks have been available at maternity and child health clinics and welfare food distribution centres free in exchange for tokens for infants under age 1 year who are entitled to free milk under the Welfare Food Order 1975, as amended, and also for purchase. We appreciate that the cost to families of buying proprietary brands of modified baby milks for very young children is higher than that of buying National Dried Milk. To help families who are meeting these costs from low incomes we have decided to increase the income level at which families can get free milk and vitamins.

We shall increase by £1.50 the tolerance margin used in calculating an 861W applicant's requirements when entitlement to free milk and vitamins is assessed for those who are in special need because of low income. The tolerance margin, which is at present £1, is the amount added to the calculation of an applicant's requirements over and above the normal Supplementary Benefit level. The increase in the tolerance margin to £2.50 is to come into effect on 15th November, when the general uprating of social security benefits will take effect. The effect of these changes will be to bring more people within the income limits for eligibility for free milk and vitamins.

Because of increased raw material and production costs the following price increases will take effect from 15th November.

	Present price p.	Increased price p.
National Dried Milk (per 20 ounce pack)	20	40
Vitamin tablets for expectant and nursing mothers (per container)	6	10
Children's vitamin drops (per bottle)	5	8

The Welfare Food Order, 1975, as amended by the Welfare Food (Amendment) Order 1976, will require amendment to give effect to these changes, and an amending order will be laid before the House shortly.