FOR the second year running I have prevented a big cut in the subsidy for school milk.

The European Commission wanted to reduce the subsidy from £56m to £49m.

As the United Kingdom Conservative spokesman on budgets I tabled an amendment, voted through in Strasbourg, which will keep the level of milk subsidy at its present figure.

This is excellent news for dairy farmers, schools and the children at school.

I am convinced of the nutritional value of milk and milk products.

It is a sobering thought that in the UK alone we spend £900m per year dealing with osteoporosis (wasting away bones in older people).

Our children can avoid future health hazards if local education authorities and schools take advantage of these milk subsidies.

If there are any problems encountered with the bureaucracy I would be pleased to assist at any time.

Den Dover MEP, Countess Way, Euxton, Chorley.