Mr. MacCALLUM SCOTTasked the Secretary for Scotland whether his attention has been called to the fact that since the increase in the price of milk the consumption of milk has increased in those districts of Glasgow where the richer people live, and has decreased to an alarming extent in those districts where the poorer people live, and whether he is aware that according to the report of welfare nurses the shortage mainly falls upon children aged from one to five years; that instead of milk infants are given tea with toast soaked in it, and that porridge, rice, milk puddings, and other milk foods are being superseded by cocoa; whether he is in communication with the Ministry of Food on this matter; and what steps the Ministry of Health proposes to take to safeguard the health of the rising generation?
§ Mr. PRATTMy attention has been called to the fact that difficulty has arisen in certain districts in the Glasgow area consequent on the increase in the price of milk. The Scottish Board of Health, in1336W anticipation of possible hardships there and elsewhere resulting from the increase in price, are taking steps again to direct the attention of all local authorities to their powers, under the Notification of Births (Extension) Act, 1915, to supply food and milk, free, or at reduced rates, in necessitous cases, to expectant mothers and nursing mothers and to children under five years of age. Approved expenditure for this purpose is met to the extent of 50 per cent. by Grants from Imperial sources.