HC Deb 21 October 1971 vol 823 cc172-3W
41. Mr. Rost

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science in how many schools in the borough of Derby is, and in how many is not, milk now available for sale; why arrangements have not been made to provide milk in all schools; and what action she is taking.

Mr. van Straubenzee

This information will not be available until the results of the autumn census of school meals and milk are known. Local education authorities decide to what extent they wish to exercise their discretion to provide milk for sale in their schools.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what date she received from the Chief Education Officer of the London Borough of Newham a communication dated 21st July, 1971, concerning the Education (Milk) Bill; what was its nature; when she replied; and what were the terms of her reply.

Mr. van Straubenzee

I have no trace of any communication on the Education (Milk) Bill dated 21st July from the Chief Education Officer of Newham. The hon. Member may recall that he sent me a copy of an official letter of 21st June from the Chief Education Officer to my Department on this subject. In that connection, I have nothing to add to my reply of 1st July to the hon. Member.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what date she received from the Chief Education Officer of the London Borough of Newham a communication dated 14th October, 1971 concerning the Education (Milk) Act, 1971; what was its nature; when she replied; and what were the terms of her reply.

Mr. van Straubenzee

On 18th October: it conveyed a Resolution by Newham Education Committee expressing disapproval of the Education (Milk) Act, a reply will be sent shortly.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science on what date she received the communication sent on 17th October to her by the hon. Member for West Ham, North regarding the attitude of the London Borough of Newham to the Education (Milk) Act, 1971; when a reply may be expected; and whether she will make a statement.

Mr. van Straubenzee

18th October. A reply will be sent shortly.

Mr. Meacher

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many grants of free milk have been made on medical grounds to the latest available date.

Mr. van Straubenzee

This information will not be available until the results of the autumn census of school meals and milk are known.

Mr. Lamond

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what reply she has made to the letter of 11th October from the Director of Education, the County Borough of Oldham, which contained the text of a resolution passed by the Education Committee and by the Borough Council on the subject of school milk.

Mr. van Straubenzee

A reply was sent by the Department on 19th October.