asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether he can state the number of local authorities which have not yet put into operation a scheme for the supply of milk in schools?

The number of education authorities not yet operating arrangements under the Milk Act for the supply of milk in schools is 19. Of these, seven expect to be able to institute arrangements either during the present month or immediately after the Easter vacation. Of the remainder, there are three areas, namely, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Kincardine, where the local milk marketing board up to the present has not agreed to carry out the scheme.

Will my hon. Friend apply what pressure he can on those local authorities who have not yet commenced schemes so that as quickly as possible the scheme may operate throughout the whole country?

There are constant negotiations going on. On the whole, the matter is proceeding satisfactorily.

Viscountess ASTOR:

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that there are 97,000 children who enter elementary schools in Scotland who are physically defective in some way, and will he do all he can to see that those children who are to get the milk get it?

I think my answer to the last supplementary question covers that point.