44. Mr. David Adamsasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is considering the possibility of ensuring that available supplies of foodstuffs, especialy of those rich in protective elements, shall be made available to those who are most in need of them by an extension of the system of school meals on such a scale that every child in the Kingdom shall receive a daily supply of such food, thus making malnutrition impossible and guaranteeing one of the main channels whereby victory may be assured?
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Boothby)The question of an extension of the system of school meals is at present receiving close consideration. As regards supplies of foodstuffs for use in the preparation of 237 meals, a very wide range is at present available without restriction, apart from the rationed foods, and the hon. Member may rest assured that every effort will be made to ensure a maintenance of supplies.
Mr. AdamsDoes not the Minister agree that malnutrition still prevails and that more serious steps ought to be taken?
§ Mr. BoothbyI said that the question of an extension of school meals is now under close consideration.