§ 14. Mr. James Griffithsasked the Minister of Fuel and Power what steps have been taken to establish a medical service in the several regions under the reorganisation scheme; and whether he will cause an investigation into the effect of diet deficiencies, particularly deficiency of fats, upon the health of coalminers?
Major Lloyd GeorgeOfficers of my Department in association with those of the other Departments concerned, are working out a scheme for a mines medical service, and I hope to be able to announce my proposals shortly. The general question of diet is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Minister of Health, but as regards coalminers in particular the question of food in relation to the colliery canteens has been considered by the Miners' Welfare Commission in association with the Ministry of Food and in consultation with high medical authorities; and I will bring my hon. Friend's suggestion to the Commission's notice.
§ Mr. GriffithsIs my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that in some areas the doctors are concerned about dermatitis which they think is due to deficiency of fat in the diet, and will he bear in mind that unless miners are given adequate food the output is bound to go down?