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70
In February, 1921, proceedings were instituted against a father who had made false
statements as to his income in an application for milk, and a fine of £5 and 5 guineas costs
were inflicted. With a view to deterring applicants from making such false statements,
particulars in regard to the case were placarded at the centres and attached to the application
forms in use.
In May, 1921, the Council had under consideration a circular from the Ministry of
Health on the subject of the supply of milk for mothers and children. It was found that the
scheme in operation in St. Pancras agreed closely with the requirements of the Ministry, except
that the rate of income was on a different basis from that suggested by the Ministry.
Accordingly the following scale was adopted bv the Council, and afterwards approved by the
Ministry.
No. in
family.
Soale for distribution of milk
at half-price,
Scale for distribution of
free milk.
1 18s. per head after deduction of rent 15s. per head after deduction of rent.
2 14s. 6d. „ „ ... 10s. „ „
3 lis. 6d. „ „ ... 8s. „ „
4 10s. 6d. „ „ ... 7s. „ „
5 9s. 6d. „ „ ... 6s. 6d. „ „
6 9s. ,, „ ... 6s. ,, „
The working of the milk scheme is as follows:—Ordinarily, application must be made
at one of the Borough Infant Welfare Centres, though, in exceptional cases, application can
be made direct to the Medical Officer of Health at the Town Hall. The application form
setting out details as to the needs and circumstances of the family has to be filled up by the
parents and signed by both father and mother. The signature of the medical officer at the
Centre is required to the effect that the grant of milk is necessary on medical grounds, and
the superintendent of the centre has also to sign the form indicating that she has examined it
to see that it is properly filled up, and that, from her knowledge of the home, she has no
reason to doubt the correctness of the statements. The forms are then sent by the superintendent
to the Medical Officer of Health, who examines them (personally or by deputy); orders
such further enquiries to be made as seem called for, and makes a preliminary recommendation
as to the amount of milk to be granted. They then come before the Milk Sub-Committee at
their weekly meeting, who order such further enquiries as they deem necessary and prescribe
finally the grant of milk to be made. The grant is in the form of an order on the applicant's
usual milk-seller, the applicant paying half-price or nil according to the decision. The milksellers'
accounts are rendered monthly, and the customer's signature is required by the Council
to vouch for the correct delivery of milk. Where dried milk is specially ordered by the
n edical officer it is usually supplied on the Council's order by the Infant Welfare Centres in
their capacity of purveyors of that commodity. The Sub-Committee's orders are issued for
one month only, at the end of which time a further application is required and considered.