HC Deb 09 May 1938 vol 335 cc1238-9
31. Miss Ward

asked the Minister of Health how many local authorities in the Special Areas fail to provide, where necessary, additional nourishment to expectant mothers at all stages of pregnancy?

Sir K. Wood

All the 35 authorities responsible for maternity and child welfare services in the Special Areas supply additional nourishment in the form of milk to expectant mothers, and all but five of them do so at all stages of pregnancy. Twenty-two of the 35 authorities supply other forms of additional nourishment to mothers, the great majority at all stages of pregnancy. In addition, the scheme introduced by the National Birthday Trust Fund for providing other additional food for certain groups of expectant mothers is in operation in most of the Special Areas.

Miss Ward

Will my right hon. Friend consider making representations to the various authorities which do not do so, to ask whether they will carry out what I understand is the policy approved by my right hon. Friend himself?

Sir K. Wood

I am following these matters up.

Mr. De la Bère

Is not my right hon. Friend aware that the best nourishment comes from fresh produce from the Vale of Evesham?