Mr. David Adamsasked the Minister of Health whether he has considered the letter from the medical officer of health of Newcastle-upon-Tyne protesting against the omission from the cheap-milk scheme of the power whereby the source and quality of the milk supplied must be approved by the medical officer of health of the welfare authority; and whether he will restore forthwith the above-mentioned safeguard, which can be carried out without legislation or undue administrative difficulty?
§ Miss HorsbrughMy right hon. Friend has received the letter to which the hon. Member refers. I understand that my right hon. Friend the Minister of Food found it impracticable to impose in connection with a national scheme any condition of the kind suggested. It is, however, open to any local authority concerned, in addition to exercising its powers under the Food and Drugs Act, to give advice either through welfare centres or otherwise to expectant and nursing mothers and children with regard to the choice and use of milk supplied under the national milk scheme.