§ 38. Sir KINLOCH-COOKEasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of food whether he is aware that the refusal of the Government to grant extra meat allowance on medical orders in cases of serious illness, except where a patient happens to be suffering from tuberculosis or diabetes, is generally regarded as arbitrary and unnecessary; and whether, in view of the demand for some amendment of this Regulation, he can see his way to reconsider the matter and so prevent undue suffering and hardship to that section of the community suffering from disabilities other than tuberculosis and diabetes?
§ Mr. CLYNESThere is no evidence that any undue suffering or hardship is caused by the present Regulations. If advantage is taken of the possibilities that are open in the use of fish, eggs, milk, meat 12 extracts, and other unrationed foods, no invalid need suffer in any way from the scarcity of butcher's meat. The Food Controller is acting throughout in consultation with scientific and medical authorities on this matter, and we are now consulting these authorities as to whether some modification of the Regulations should be made.
§ Sir C. KINLOCH-COOKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that there is a very general opinion that the present Regulations are arbitrary and unnecessary, and will he see that they are withdrawn in certain cases?
§ Mr. CLYNESThe answer I have given was based on opinion derived from medical and scientific sources.
§ Sir H. CRAIKIs it under consideration by the Department of the hon. Gentleman to allow some extra ration, on. medical advice, to patients who are suffering from loss of blood from surgical operations?
§ Mr. CLYNESYes, I think my hon. Friend can conclude that from the last few words of my reply—that we are now in consultation with those concerned with a view to sec whether some arrangements can be made.