asked the Minister of Agriculture whether, in view of the success of the scheme for stimulating the consumption of milk among schoolchildren, the Government is considering an increase of the grant to the Milk Marketing Board available for this purpose; whether the amount allocated to it is yet exhausted; and, if not, whether the amount remaining will suffice to meet the needs of all schools where such provision is desirable but not yet made?

The scheme for the supply of milk to school-children at reduced rates has met with very considerable success in all parts of the country. There is no reason at present to anticipate that the sum of money available under the scheme will be insufficient. The first part of the question does not therefore arise.

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Board of Education what number and proportion of elementary schools are now availing themselves of the scheme for the provision of milk to school-children; and what number and proportion of school-children are receiving milk under the scheme?

While it is clear that, since 1st October, there has been a very large increase in the number of children receiving milk in elementary schools, my Noble Friend understands from the Milk Marketing Board that no reliable statistical information is likely to be available for some time to come.