29. Dr. Russell Thomasasked the Minister of Health whether he will examine the standard of nourishment, housing, physical training and working conditions of the nation, with a view to satisfying himself as to whether they are sufficient to promote adequate natural resistance to major and minor diseases?
§ Mr. E. BrownI do not think that general inquiries of the kind outlined by my hon. Friend would usefully add to the continuous work of the Ministry of Health on the questions affecting health for which I am responsible, and to the close consultation with other Departments which takes place as required. As I was able to report to the House in a recent Debate on the Adjournment, the health of the nation and the resistance of the people to disease has up to now been good—even I can say unexpectedly good in view of the added risks brought about by wartime conditions. I have no doubt that this state of affairs is largely due to the improvements in social conditions, such as those referred to by my hon. Friend which successive Governments have been able to bring about since the first World War and our efforts to maintain and add to them will be sustained.
Dr. ThomasDoes not the right hon. Gentleman agree that in the post-war world a large supply of cheap nourishment would do more to increase the natural resistance of disease and thereby improve the national health than any other method he can devise?
§ Mr. BrownI think that the recent actions of the Government have shown that that view is shared on this Bench.
Dr. ThomasIn view of the depressing and reactionary statement in regard to the prospect of dear food held out by the Minister of Agriculture yesterday—
§ Mr. Speakerrose—