HC Deb 07 June 1928 vol 218 cc321-2
20. Mr. SHEPHERD

asked the Minister of Health the reasons of public interest which led him to refuse a request from the North-Western Joint Vagrancy Committee that he should consent to their providing the regular able-bodied inmates' diet to casuals where considered desirable?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply on this subject given to the hon. Member for Bother Valley (Mr. Grundy) on the 5th instant.

Mr. SHEPHERD

In view of the under-nourishment caused by the insufficiency of food and lack of variety, will not the right hon. Gentleman give his-sanction in cases where boards wish to give casuals the same diet at midday as are given to the inmates?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am advised that the dietary which is contemplated by the Order is sufficient to provide adequate nourishment for men in normal health.

Mr. LANSBURY

Will the right hon. Gentleman not consider the fact that men put to work need more food than those discharged without being set to work?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I am advised that it is sufficient.

Mr. LANSBURY

I wish the right hon. Gentleman would go and try himself.

Mr. SHEPHERD

Will the right hon. Gentleman consult workhouse masters, who will grove that under-nourishment is due to the lack of variety in the diet, and that skin diseases which are prevalent ere also clue to it?

Mr. CHAMBERLAIN

I do not see how workhouse masters can prove that.

Mr. SHEPHERD

They are in direct contact with them.