§ Mr. Mike Nobleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what discussions have been held with the Lancashire Education Authority concerning the provision of free school milk for children under 12 years; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonA letter was sent in May to every local education authority explaining that free milk could be provided to junior children in 1978–79 at no cost to the authority and that thereafter estimated expenditure, net of the EEC subsidy, would form part of relevant expenditure for rate support grant purposes. It is now for individual authorities to decide whether to take advantage of these arrangements which in my view represent exceptionally good value for money. I understand the Lancashire Education Sub-committee has decided 761W that free milk will not be provided for its junior pupils, and that this decision will be reported to the full council meeting on 3rd August.