HC Deb 25 February 1929 vol 225 cc1567-8
55. Dr. VERNON DAVIES

asked the Minister of Health if he can state what steps he is taking to deal with cases of early rickets in the distressed mining areas of South Wales and Monmouthshire; and if he is satisfied that these measures are adequate for all possible needs in the near future?

The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

The measures taken to prevent the onset of rickets 'and to deal with such cases as arise are a matter, in the first instance, for the maternity and child welfare authorities of these areas. My right hon. Friend is advised that the authorities are alive to the importance of this matter, 'and he has recently sanctioned increased expenditure on the supply of milk to expectant and nursing mothers and young children in these areas.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Is this milk deducted by the guardians from the amount of relief given to the families?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir. There is no deduction in these areas.

Dr. DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that rickets persist after the end of five years, and will he communicate with the authorities, to see that these cases are followed up after five years?

Sir K. WOOD

I will look into that question.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that in a report submitted by the South Wales Mining Association it is definitely stated that the departmentally appointed Commissioners were responsible for a reduction in the amount of benefit for Poor Law relief, and that that has contributed to a large number of cases of rickets?

Sir K. WOOD

I am not aware of that report.

Mr. PETHICK-LAWRENCE

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that when I was in this area I was informed by the guardians that they had cut down the amount of relief to families, when milk was given for children?

Sir K. WOOD

No, Sir. I cannot understand that, because there was no reduction made in the Estimates with respect to milk in distressed areas.

Miss WILKINSON

Does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the question is not whether the Department made a reduction, but whether it is a fact that the Commissioners in that area and the Poor Law authorities deducted from the relief given to families the cost of milk given to mothers.

Sir K. WOOD

I am not aware of that fact. There certainly have not been any instructions given by my Department to that effect.

Mr. SOMERVILLE

Is it not the case that far more relief is being given now than in 1924?

Dr. DAVIES

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that it is not simply a question of shortage of food, but also of the improper foods which the children are having?

Sir K. WOOD

I would remind my hon. Friend that a report which has just been issued and made available to Members of this House states that to a great extent the disease has been controlled and cured by means of maternity and child welfare services.