§ 65. Mr. Sorensenasked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that most of the foodstuffs sold in shelter canteens are 370 predominantly of a starchy nature and deficient in other necessary dietetic qualities; and whether he will take steps to remedy this and cause to be made available in the shelters other foodstuffs necessary to a balanced diet and good health?
Major Lloyd GeorgeI have been asked to reply to this Question. The standard of catering in shelters is less satisfactory than I should like it to be, partly owing to reductions in the supplies of meat, cheese and fruit available for shelter caterers, and partly to fluctuating numbers in the shelters making it necessary for caterers to restrict the amount of perishable foodstuffs for sale in order to avoid waste. It must, however, be remembered that regular shelterers bring from home the more nutritious part of their meal. There will shortly be issued to all shelter caterers a pamphlet with recipes for nutritious snacks made from readily procurable commodities. Supplies of the concentrated soup specially prepared for emergency use will also be made available in the near future.
§ Mr. SorensenWill the hon. and gallant Gentleman keep a special watch on this problem, in view of the fact that large quantities of foodstuffs at the present time do represent an unbalanced diet?