HC Deb 22 February 1940 vol 357 cc1574-5W
Mr. Jackson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he is aware that, under the present scheme of distribution of milk in schools, many children who had milk are not getting any; and will he take steps to arrange a more satisfactory method of distribution by making it a part of our education service?

Mr. Lindsay

I am aware that there has been some reduction since the outbreak of war in the distribution of milk under the Milk in Schools scheme, though the figures for January show a welcome improvement. The Board are anxious that the arrangements for the supply of milk to school children should be maintained, and in a recent circular, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy, they urged upon local education authorities the importance of continuing or resuming these arrangements.

Mr. Jackson

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education whether he will take steps without delay to formulate a scheme whereby a free supply of milk may be made available to all children in school, in view of the proved benefit of milk to school children?

Mr. Lindsay

It is the Board's object to secure that milk is made available so far as possible to all children in school, but it would not be practicable under the existing law to supply milk free, save to necessitous and under-nourished children.