MP sparks free nursery milk debate (From Bournemouth Echo)

MP sparks free nursery milk debate

2:00pm Wednesday 7th November 2012 in News

MID-Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke has tabled an adjournment debate in Parliament to highlight the issue of nursery milk.

Every child under five in the UK is entitled to free milk if they attend a state-registered school or childcare setting. But the government launched a review of the scheme in the summer after costs soared from £27million in 2007 to £53million in 2011 – figures showed it was spending up to 92p for a pint of milk.

A consultation ended last month and the government is considering options to cut costs. But Mrs Brooke is insistent that any amendments to the scheme do not introduce any more red tape that will put off nurseries and schools from applying for the free milk for their children.

The MP, who supports World School Milk Day, told the Echo the current take up for the scheme was just 40 per cent of those eligible.

“I want to raise the profile of this and I want all parents to know their children are eligible right up to the age of five – even if they have started school,” she added.

“It is so important that children drink milk for all the benefits it provides.”