HC Deb 14 March 1984 vol 56 c198W
Mrs. McCurley

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will take steps to require regional councils to supply European Economic Community subsidised milk to independent schools in Scotland.

Mr. Allan Stewart

My right hon. Friend has no power to do so. Most local authorities do process claims on behalf of independent schools in their areas and I would deplore such children being deprived of school milk for political reasons. Any administrative costs can be passed on to independent schools by the education authorities concerned. I understand discussions are taking place on proposals to establish a recognised organisation to process claims by those independent schools which do not have access to the subsidy.