§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Agriculture (1) whether it is proposed to extend the special milk schemes for mothers and children under five years of age to areas other than those in which they are at present operating;
1056W(2) whether it is proposed to extend the special milk schemes now operating in the Rhondda, Jarrow, and other similar areas, beyond the date at present fixed for their termination?
§ Mr. W. S. Morrison:I understand that the Milk Marketing Board do not, at present., contemplate any extension of their experimental schemes in the Special Areas, but as was stated in the White Paper on Milk Policy, the Government propose to bring forward proposals for securing, in co-operation with the industry, a reduction in the price of liquid milk to local authorities generally for the purpose of their Maternity and Child Welfare arrangements.
§ Mr. Ridleyasked the Minister of Agriculture what proportion of those entitled to participate in the various special milk schemes at present operating in the Rhondda, Jarrow, and other similar areas, have availed themselves of them?
§ Mr. W. S. Morrison:I am informed by the Milk Marketing Board that, of the persons eligible to participate in the four experimental schemes for the supply of cheap milk to nursing mothers and children under five years of age in the Special Areas, the proportions that have availed themselves of the facilities vary between 60 per cent. in Jarrow and 65 per cent. in Whitehaven.