§ 48. Dr. Howittasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he will consider the advisability of granting an extra half ration of butter and an extra half ration of sugar to all pregnant women for the last six months of the pregnancy, and for six months after delivery if the mother is nursing her baby?
Major Lloyd GeorgeConsideration has been given to my hon. Friend's suggestions, but the Food Rationing (Special Diets) Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council have advised that no extra allowances of any rationed food are necessary for expectant mothers. With regard to nursing mothers, a child's ration book is issued by the local food office as soon as a birth is notified, the rations obtainable with this book being intended for the use of the mother.
§ Dr. HowittIs the hon. and gallant Gentleman aware that the majority of babies are born perfectly healthy and well nourished during the war, but owing to rationing it is often a big strain on the mother and does not give a fair chance afterwards, either to her or to the child?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI should not be aware of that, but I would remind my hon. Friend that we are guided in all these things by the best possible advice that we can get.