§ Mr. Clemitsonasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science which local education authorities have to date indicated their intention not to implement the school milk scheme.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many authorities have so far refused the EEC free milk subsidy to 7 to 11–12 year olds; and if she is satisfied with the response so far.
§ Mr. Forresterasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science pursuant to her Written Answer to the hon. Member for Gloucestershire, West, Official 594W Report, 29th June, column 675–6, if there are any additions to the lists of those local education authorities which has so far decided not to implement the scheme for free milk for junior children from September and those which have agreed to take advantage of the arrangements announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.
§ Mr. Ron Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how many education authorities have decided to take advantage of the Government's arrangements through the EEC to provide school milk for all 7 to 11-year-old children; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe local education authorities which have so far completed their discussions and reported their decisions on the new free milk scheme to my Department are as follows:
Accepted
- Hillingdon
- Richmond upon Thames
- Salford
- Somerset
- Waltham Forest
Rejected
- Hampshire
- Hertfordshire
- Kent
- Northamptonshire
- Redbridge
- Shropshire
- Solihull
- Surrey
- Bedfordshire.
In view of the fact that authorities supplying free milk to juniors will be fully reimbursed for their expenditure in 1978–79, and for the following three years at least would be able to benefit from the EEC subsidy, the response so far is disappointing.
§ Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what representations she has received from Essex county council regarding the provision of the free milk service; whether the council has decided to provide this service; and if she will make a statement.
§ Miss Margaret JacksonMy right hon. Friend has received no representations from the Essex county council about this matter, nor have they informed her whether or not they intend to provide free milk for junior pupils. As the provision 595W of free milk will attract EEC subsidy until at least 1982, and since authorities will be completely reimbursed for their expenditure in 1978–79, she hopes that authorities which are still considering this matter will recognise that the terms represent very good value for money.