SCHOOL MILK

Early day motion 1468, tabled 18 June 2002 by Colin Breed (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 64 members.

That this House recognises the enormous nutritional benefits to school children of drinking milk, not solely for the calcium to help build healthy bones but also for other low fat nutrients such as protein, Vitamin Bs, niacin, iodine, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc; recognises that osteoporosis costs the NHS over ú940 million per year, that over one third of women and one sixth of men will suffer an osteoporosis fracture and that incidences could be lowered if calcium intake was higher; wishes to promote the EU subsidised scheme to schools and families whereby every school child aged under five years receives free milk and every school child aged between five and 11 years receives subsidised milk, which currently only 16 per cent. of eligible children are claiming; recognises that this could increase milk sales by up to ú27 million a year; and urges all honourable Members to promote this scheme in their own constituencies in time for the World School Milk Day on 25th September.

Signatures by party: Labour 36, Liberal Democrat 19, Labour/Co-operative 4, Plaid Cymru 3, UUP 2.