Cameron scraps milk-snatcher plans

Universities Minister David Willetts was left floundering in a television interview where he initially said that ending the provision was on the table - only to be informed on air that it had been ruled out.

The latest crisis to engulf the government erupted following a leaked letter from Health Minister Anne Milton to Scottish Public Health Minister Shona Robison which left no doubt as to the coalition government's intention to axe the scheme.

Ms Milton claimed it was too expensive and that there was no evidence it benefited the health of children.

She wrote that the government expected opposition to the measure from the media, parents, nurseries, childminders and the dairy sector, adding: "Abolition of the scheme is likely to be highly controversial, particularly as this will affect some children in low-income families."

But she went on: "This should not prevent us from ending an ineffective universal measure - and this would clearly be the best time to do it, given the state of public finances and the need to make savings."

The leak appeared to spook the government with the Tory leader, thought to be desperate to avoid comparisons with Thatcherite policy in the 1970s, claiming belatedly that he opposed the plan.

For people of a certain generation notorious Tory ex-leader Margaret Thatcher will forever be known as the "milk snatcher" for scrapping free milk for over-sevens.

Tam Fry, honorary chairman of the Child Growth Foundation charity, said axing the Nursery Milk scheme would be "disastrous."

"The Conservative minister for health doesn't seem to have learnt the lessons from Margaret Thatcher," he said.

"Milk is absolutely vital for children in their growing years, particularly pre-school, and has many other attributes as well. It's a step towards healthy living."

And the latest signs of division within the government also threatened to drive a fresh wedge between the coalition partners.

Only last October Liberal Democrat Chris Huhne - now Energy Secretary - insisted there was "no doubt" about the health benefits of free milk.

In a statement on his website celebrating World School Milk Day the Eastleigh MP said: "School milk is great for growing kids.

"Every child under the age of five is entitled to a third of a pint of free school milk every day, and there is no doubt about the health benefits according to recent research."

He added: "I hope parents will make sure that their child is getting their school milk. It helps a balanced and nutritious diet."

The Nursery Milk scheme dates back to 1940, when milk was issued to pregnant women and young children to protect them against wartime food shortages.

It allows under-fives in approved day care to receive 189ml (1/3 pint) of milk a day free of charge.

Babies under 12 months can also receive the equivalent in dried baby milk.