Oral Answers to Questions — Milk-in-Schools Scheme (Hillingdon).

– in the House of Commons at on 12 March 1941.

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Photo of Mr William Thorne Mr William Thorne , West Ham Plaistow

asked the President of the Board of Education whether he can give any reason why no milk has been delivered to the 1,000 children attending the Oak Farm School, Hillingdon, Middlesex; whether the Board have had any difficulties with the teachers about the matter; and what action he is taking to see that the children get their supply of milk?

Photo of Mr Herwald Ramsbotham Mr Herwald Ramsbotham , Lancaster

The breakdown is due to the dairymen refusing to supply milk to this school in small bottles containing one-third of a pint. I understand that the teachers are not prepared to accept responsibility for distributing milk supplied in bulk, and, in view of the difficulties and risks of infection involved, I should not feel justified, on the information before me, in asking them to do so. Moreover, Section 85 of the Education Act, 1921, provides that the participation of teachers in this work is entirely voluntary. These and other difficulties affecting the scheme are engaging my earnest attention with a view to finding an immediate remedy.

Photo of Sir Frederick Messer Sir Frederick Messer , Tottenham South

Is the Minister aware that there is no evidence that the bottles which were used had been broken or destroyed? In view of that fact, can he account for the statement which he has made that the bottles are not available?

Photo of Mr Herwald Ramsbotham Mr Herwald Ramsbotham , Lancaster

The information I have is that there is great difficulty in getting these bottles, and particularly the stoppers.