§ Mrs. McCurleyasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to require regional councils to supply European Economic Community subsidised milk to independent schools in Scotland.
§ Mr. Allan StewartMy right hon. Friend has no power to do so. Most local authorities do process claims on behalf of independent schools in their areas and I would deplore such children being deprived of school milk for political reasons. Any administrative costs can be passed on to independent schools by the education authorities concerned. I understand discussions are taking place on proposals to establish a recognised organisation to process claims by those independent schools which do not have access to the subsidy.