HC Deb 01 October 1941 vol 374 cc598-9W
Flight-Lieutenant Etherton

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, in view of the fact that milk is not to be rationed this winter and that supplies of fresh milk may even be more than last winter, it is proposed to modify the present nil issue of fresh milk to Royal Air Force units and permit stations to have some quantity however small of fresh milk?

Major Lloyd George

It is not anticipated that supplies of liquid milk this winter will exceed those of last winter. The present demand for milk is considerably greater than estimated production during the winter months. In view of this and the necessity for ensuring that adequate supplies will be available for mothers, infants, children and invalids, a scheme of controlled distribution will be introduced next month on the lines indicated in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Birkenhead, East (Mr. White), on 6th August. Adult consumers will receive part of their supplies in the form of condensed milk which will be available in much greater quantities than last winter. With the co-operation of the Departments concerned it has been arranged that, save in special circumstances, the supply of milk to the Services shall be in this form.

Major Peto

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether, under the new guaranteed scheme of milk supplies, milk is to be guaranteed to all children of appropriate age at school and not merely to those children attending State-aided schools, in view of the fact that under war circumstances all children of that age require milk?

Major Lloyd George

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the reply given to an oral question on this matter to-day.