asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the effect that the withdrawal of the free milk scheme is having on many deprived families; the reason for withdrawing same; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Free Milk Scheme.
24.
I must point out at the outset that the free milk scheme is a discretionary one and I am not in a position to direct health boards to operate it. Some health boards have discontinued the scheme because of lack of demand and necessary restructuring of expenditure.
None of the boards is aware of any significant degree of hardship resulting from the discontinuation of the scheme. Health boards will give sympathetic consideration to assisting families where hardship does occur.