HC Deb 11 November 1937 vol 328 cc1891-3W
Mr. David Adams

asked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the beneficial results of the experiment of supplying fresh milk at 2d. per pint to nursing and expectant mothers and children in the Walker area of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, he will extend this arrangement to the city generally; and whether he expects to make this cheapened supply available to similar applicants throughout the country?

Sir K. Wood

I understand that there is at present no proposal before the Milk Marketing Board for the extension to other parts of the city of the experimental scheme which the board have organised in the Walker-on-Tyne district in conjunction with the Commissioner for the Special Areas and the Newcastle City Council. With regard to the second part of the question, I would refer the hon. Member to the recent White Paper on Milk Policy (Cmd. 5533), in paragraph 21 of which reference is made to the intention of the Government to bring forward proposals for securing, in cooperation with the milk industry, a reduction in the price of liquid milk to local authorities for the purpose of their maternity and child welfare arrangements.

Miss Rathbone

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the voluntary scheme which has been running for two years at Kidsgrove, Staffordshire, for supplying milk to children under school age has been obliged to close down owing to lack of financial support; whether he has received any application for financial assistance for the scheme; what amount of assistance would be necessary to keep it going; and whether he will consider providing such assistance in cooperation with the Milk Marketing Board?

Sir K. Wood

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the 28th October to a question by the hon. Member for Don Valley (Mr. T. Williams). I regret that I have no funds at my disposal from which I could give assistance towards this scheme; but I have asked the Staffordshire County Council to consider the question of making a contribution to the organisation concerned as part of their general arrangements for the supply of milk to mothers and children, and I am awaiting their reply. I have no precise information as to the amount of assistance required to maintain the scheme.