§ 56. Mr. RHYS DAVIESasked the Minister of Health whether he has seen the recent report of the Lancashire county medical officer showing that 9.3 per cent. of the child-bearing mothers in south-east Lancashire were suffering from malnutrition; and whether he will take steps to remedy this state of affairs?
§ Sir K. WOODI have seen this report which states that whilst out of 129 mothers who were examined the nutritional standard of 9.3 per cent. was slightly sub-normal, the standard of the remaining 90.7 per cent. was either normal or excellent, and that no evidence of serious malnutrition was found. As I have previously stated, I am considering the possibility of extending the scope of the schemes now in operation for the supply of milk to mothers and young children.
§ Mr. DAVIESWill the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that this particular figure of 9.3 per cent. is considered very serious; and will he be good enough to consult his colleagues about the situation in this part of Lancashire with a view to having it placed in the same category as South Wales and Durham in this respect?
§ Sir K. WOODI hope that the hon. Gentleman will study this report during the Recess. I do not think that he has examined these figures as I would like him to examine them.