HC Deb 14 May 1936 vol 312 cc532-3
10. Mr. MATHERS

asked the Minister of Labour what stage has been reached in the study of the problem of the nutrition of the workers which is being organised by the International Labour Organisation?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

In pursuance of a resolution adopted by the International Labour Conference last June, the governing body of the International Labour Office decided in October, 1935, to set up a committee of experts on nutrition questions. This committee met at Geneva in December, 1935, and agreed upon the plan of a report drawn up by the office for submission to the International Labour Conference in June this year. The International Labour Organisation is also represented on the Mixed Committee on the Problem of Nutrition set up by the Council of the League of Nations, which met in February of this year and drew up the outlines of a report to be presented to the Assembly at its September meeting.

Mr. MATHERS

Will the Minister tell us what the Government policy is in this matter?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

We are co-operating in the inquiry.

Mr. MATHERS

Can we be assured that the Government are giving this matter the attention that its importance deserves?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

Yes.

Mr. PALING

Has the hon. and gallant Gentleman studied the report that has been made on nutrition in this country, and what does he propose to do about that?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

We study any report which we think bears on this question.

Sir PERCY HARRIS

Will the Department use the expert services of Sir John Orr, who is one of the greatest authorities on this subject?

Lieut.-Colonel MUIRHEAD

Sir John Orr is well-known to us.