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113
FREE MILK SCHEME.
Milk is supplied to expectant and nursing mothers, and children
under 3 years of age (in special circumstances 5 years) under the
Ministry of Health Circular 185.
Since 1st January, 1926, all milk supplied to mothers and children
except where Clinic Medical Officers have prescribed dried milk, has
been Grade "A" (Tuberculin Tested) milk.
The Minister of Health has only approved of the expenditure of
£6,500 in respect of this service, which sum includes administration.
In September I reported to the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee
that of 43 samples of Grade "A" (T.T.) milk bacteriologically
examined. since January 1st, 15 had given unsatisfactory results and
one was suspicious or doubtful. The 15 unsatisfactory samples each
contained bacillus coli and the bacteria counts in many instances were
far and away in excess of the limit of 200,000 laid down by the Milk
(Special Designations) Order.
A resolution by the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee that
notice, be given to all dairymen that after 31st December, 1926, Grade
A (Tuberculin Tested) milk would not be required under the Free
Milk Scheme was referred back by the Council and at a subsequent meeting
the Maternity and Child Welfare Committee resolved that the supply
ot Grade "'A" (Tuberculin Tested) milk be continued and that the position
be reconsidered in April, 1927.
In the early part of the year. Mr. C. A. Webster, who since 1921,
had been the Enquiry and Investigation Officer, Free Milk Scheme, was
permanently appointed by the Public Health and Housing Committee
and Maternity and Child Welfare Committees as Meat and Food Inspectors'
Labourer and Enquiry and Investigation Officer, Free Milk Scheme.
During the 12 months ended 2nd January, 1927, 12,928 applications
for free milk were received, of which 11,905 were granted. Orders for
426,762 pints of fresh, and 2,9171b. of dried milk were issued, the total
commitments amounting to approximately £7,249.
Personal inquiry was made in 593 cases by the Inquiry and Investigation
Officer. Six cases were reported to the Maternity and Child Welfare