HC Deb 16 October 1940 vol 365 cc703-4
57. Mr. R. J. Taylor

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is prepared to reconsider the decision not to grant an extra butter ration to tuberculous persons, in view of the fact that medical opinion stresses the need for extra butter for these persons?

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Mr. Boothby)

The matter was recently considered by the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council, and having regard to their recommendation, my Noble Friend feels that the decision referred to should stand.

Mr. Taylor

Is the hon. Member aware that parents are so concerned about the lack of butter that they allow their children to have their own rations?

Mr. Boothby

It is very difficult for the Ministry of Food to disregard the advice of the Medical Research Council, which we take upon all these matters. They advise us that the nourishing content of margarine is as good as that of butter.

Mr. G. Griffiths

Will the hon. Gentleman ask this Council again to consider the question of tuberculous people? They reconsidered the case of diabetics and found that they were wrong.

Mr. Boothby

I will consider that.

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