HC Deb 08 November 1937 vol 328 cc1421-2W
Major Whiteley

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what percentage of public elementary schools are not making use of the milk-in-schools scheme; how this compares with a year ago; and what steps are contemplated to extend the scheme to all elementary schools?

Mr. Lindsay

On 31st March, 1937, the latest date for which figures are available, the milk-in-schools scheme was not in operation in 16.7 per cent. of the public elementary school departments in England and Wales, but the schools where the scheme is not in operation are mainly small schools, and the number of children in these schools was only 7.1 per cent. of the total number of children attending public elementary schools. On 31st March, 1936, the percentage of departments not operating the scheme was 18.2. During the year from 31st March, 1936, to 31st March, 1937, the number of departments operating the scheme increased by 371. I should welcome the extension of the scheme to all elementary schools.

Sir P. Hurd

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether his reports show the causes of the decline in the number of children taking milk under the milk-in-schools scheme, especially in the rural areas; and whether he will consult with the local authorities and the Milk Marketing Board with a view to improving the methods employed under the scheme?

Mr. Lindsay

The latest figures in my possession do not show that there has been a decline in the number of children taking milk under the milk-in-schools scheme, either in the country generally or in the county areas as a whole. On 31st March, 1937, the latest date for which figures are at present available, the number of children taking milk under the scheme in public elementary schools in the county areas in England and Wales had increased by 54,000 since 1st October, 1936, although the total number of children in the schools had fallen by 18,000, and the number of departments in which the scheme was in operation had increased by nearly 200 during the same period. I am, however, aware that difficulties in obtaining a supply of milk have arisen in certain rural areas, and possible means of overcoming these difficulties are being considered by my Department in consultation with the Ministry of Agriculture.