HC Deb 18 February 1930 vol 235 cc1137-9
26. Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland whether hie attention has been called to the report of recent investigations at Sheffield University, now being published by the Medical Research Council, which show that oatmeal promotes the decay of teeth; and whether he will publish recommendations for remedying this danger in the Scottish national dietary?

Mr. JOHNSTON

I have been informed of this report, which extends and amplifies previous accounts of these important investigations into the relation of diet to the proper development of the teeth. The results do not show that oatmeal and other cereals are necessarily deleterious, but that they increase the body's requirement of Vitamin D. The fact of the matter is that our people had far better teeth when they were consuming more meal than they are doing to-day.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that it is necessary to state that oatmeal by itself would be very deleterious, and that it is necessary to have such things as cod liver oil or something of that sort with it?

Mr. JOHNSTON

The same statement has been made about fish, sugar, milk, and other necessaries of life.

Mr. SANDERS

Will the hon. Gentleman's Department take care not to place too much importance upon the varying superstitions and illusions of the medical profession?

Mr. JOHNSTON

The answer is in the affirmative.

Lieut.-Colonel FREMANTLE

Will the hon. Gentleman deny the suggestion that the reports of the Medical Research Council under the Government are superstitions and illusions?

Mr. JOHNSTON

No, Sir, but I will say that they frequently contradict themselves.

Miss RATHBONE

Will the hon. Gentleman prepare a statement showing what proportion of the agricultural and urban workers of Scotland are in a position to pay for cod liver oil and the other articles of diet recommended?

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