§ Mr. MUIRasked the First Commissioner of Works, as representing the Secretary for Scotland, if he is aware of the widespread distress that exists in Glasgow as the result of the withdrawal of grants by the Board of Health for the supply of milk for children under five years of age and food for nursing and expectant mothers: and if it is the intention of the Government to restore the grants in order to assist local authorities to alleviate the distress and to maintain the health and save the lives of large numbers of children?
§ Sir J. BAIRDThe grants made by the Scottish Board of Health in aid of the expenditure incurred by local authorities on these services have not been withdrawn, but have been substantially reduced in the current financial year. The amount of the reduced grant is sufficient for the normal requirements of the maternity service and child welfare scheme the primary purpose of which is the prevention and treatment of illness and the instruction of mothers, and not the relief of distress, which is a matter for the parish council. My Noble Friend is unable to hold out any hope that it will be possible to increase the amount voted for the current year.