§ Mr. Mathersasked the Secretary of State for Scotland how much of the Exchequer subsidy voted under the Milk (Extension and Amendment) Act, 1938, is being used to help maternity and child welfare authorities to start cheap milk schemes, and the price charged to the local authorities for the milk; how many authorities have inaugurated such schemes, and their names; how many-expectant and nursing mothers are receiving milk free and for payment, and the price in the latter case; and how much milk is normally given daily in each case, and for what period?
§ Mr. ColvilleA sum of £16,050 has been provided in the Estimates of the 1829W Department of Agriculture for Scotland for the current year in connection with the sale of liquid milk at a reduced price to local authorities in Scotland for the purpose of their maternity and child welfare arrangements. A scheme by the Scottish Milk Marketing Board was approved on 6th February, 1939. Local authorities within the board's area can obtain supplies at 8d. per gallon for ordinary milk or 9½d. per gallon for Tuberculin-Tested milk, plus the cost of distribution. Arrangements by Glasgow Corporation under the scheme have been approved and proposals by six other authorities (the County Councils of Dunbarton, Selkirk and Stirling and the Town Councils of Dumbarton, Dunfermline and Stirling) have been received and are under consideration. The arrangements provide that, normally, one pint of milk will be supplied daily, either free or at a price not exceeding 2d. to expectant or nursing mothers and to children under five years of age where the family income is within a scale adopted by the local authority and approved for the purposes of the scheme. So long as the applicant continues to be qualified, there will be no limit to the period during which a supply of one pint daily may be given. The Glasgow arrangements came into operation only on 1st July and information as to the number of participants is not yet available.