§ 27. Mr. GROVESasked the Minister of Health whether his attention has been called to the continued reduction in the infantile death rate within the county borough of West Ham; whether he is aware that these reductions are side by side with the increased supply of dried milk and the general development of the health services of the borough; and whether his Department propose to make any recommendation to the local authorities of the country respecting the use of dried milk in preference to liquid milk?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)The answer to the first part of the question is in the affirmative. As regards the second part, I may point out that the reduction in recent years in the infantile death rate in West Ham is comparable with the reduction which has occurred in other similar areas, and my right hon. Friend is advised that it cannot be attributed exclusively to any particular measures which have been adopted in this area. The answer to the third part is in the negative. The question of the supply of dried or liquid milk is a, matter primarily for the decision of the local authorities, regard being paid to all the relevant circumstances of their districts.
§ Mr. W. THORNEDoes not the hon Gentleman think it seems rather strange that the infantile mortality in West Ham was very much higher prior to the introduction of this dried milk?
§ Sir K. WOODNo, Sir; there are a large number of other factors.
§ Mr. HARDIECan the hon. Gentleman give an assurance to the House that 158 none of the suppliers of milk in London are using boric acid?
§ Sir K. WOODI must ask for notice of that question.