62. Mr. Astorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has received reports of the Ministry of Food experts on the adequacy of prison diets.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Peake)The prewar prison diet was based on the advice of an expert Committee. The present diets are based on the full civilian ration and such tests as the reports of medical officers, the absence of waste and the rarity of complaints suggest that they are satisfactory. The Prison Commissioners have not had occasion to consult the Ministry of Food about prison diets, but they have recently approached the Medical Research Council, who have undertaken to place at their disposal the advice of a dietetic expert.
§ Mr. LipsonCan the right hon. Gentleman say what facilities there are for making complaints?
§ Mr. GranvilleHave there been any complaints with regard to the cocoa which is given to prisoners with their evening meal and is undrinkable because it is full of bromide?
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeDoes my right hon. Friend's answer also apply to Borstal institutions?
Dr. MorganHow many cases of pellagra have been diagnosed in prisons owing to the deficiency in the present diet?
Mr. AstorIn view of the great experience and efficiency of the experts who are now at the disposal of the Ministry of Food, and who may be dispensed with after the war, could not my right hon. Friend's Department use their experience and advice while they are still available?
§ Mr. PeakeI think my hon. Friend himself suggested that we might take the advice of the Medical Research Council, which is what we are doing.