§ John MannTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many milk tokens have been issued to qualifying families with the child tax credit to date. [113579]
§ Ms Blears[holding answer 15 May 2003]: No milk tokens have been distributed yet. The volume of applications received by the Inland Revenue for new tax credits has delayed the distribution of milk tokens to families who qualify through child tax credit. We are working with the Inland Revenue to ensure that milk tokens are distributed as soon as possible. Those people eligible for this scheme will receive a cheque as a cash payment for any backdated entitlement.