HC Deb 18 June 1936 vol 313 cc1150-1
14. Mr. HAMILTON KERR

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that, during 1936, 24,000 children from the distressed areas who were sent to holiday reconditioning camps conducted by the National Council of Social Service and allied organisations increased in weight by an average of 3.48 lbs. per fortnight; whether he can state the daily quantity of milk, butter, and cheese provided by the dietary scale, compared with the average per capita consumption of these foods by the population as a whole, also the cost per head; and whether, in view of the success of the experiment, he is proposing to continue or enlarge the work of the camps this year?

Mr. ERNEST BROWN

I am aware that a substantial number of children attended these camps, and that a general increase in weight was reported. Good, varied, and plentiful food was supplied, but no exact dietary scale was adopted from which scientific conclusions can be drawn. The camps are being extended this year with grants from the Commissioner for the Special Areas, and it is hoped to accommodate over 40,000 children from the Special Areas in school camps this summer.

44. Mr. KERR

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that, during 1935, 24,000 children from the distressed areas sent to holiday reconditioning camps gained in weight, on average, 3.48 lbs. per fortnight; that the dietary scale included a ration of milk, butter, and cheese considerably in excess of the ration provided for the children in many local authority institutions; and whether he will recommend a similarly generous rationing to all authorities controlling children's homes, hospitals, and public institutions?

The MINISTER of HEALTH (Sir Kingsley Wood)

I understand that the figures given in the first part of the question are approximately accurate; but I have no information which would con- firm the suggestion contained in the second part. My hon. Friend may be assured that my Department are fully alive to the importance of securing that the diets provided in public assistance institutions are adequate to the children's needs, and I am sending him a copy of a report on this subject which was circulated to local authorities for their guidance some years ago.

Mr. T. JOHNSTON

In view of the appalling condition of affairs revealed in the annual report of the National Council for Social Service regarding the physical condition of the children in the depressed areas, will the right hon. Gentleman say what steps he is prepared to take to see that a ration of milk is supplied to babies from one day to five years of age?

Sir K. WOOD

My answer dealt with the specific matter raised in the question. If the hon. Gentleman will put his question down, I will answer it.