§ 67. Mr. Keelingasked the Minister of Food to what extent issues, free and at cheap rates, of milk, fruit juices and cod liver oil to children have declined since the increase in cash allowances to fighting men's children made many of them ineligible for free issues; what proportion of the increase in the cash allowance would be absorbed by a regular purchase of these foods; and whether he proposes any action to restore the consumption of these foods by fighting men's children to its old level.
§ Colonel LlewellinThe reply to the first part of the Question is "nil, 15 per cent and 25 per cent. respectively," comparing August and September with the previous six month's average. The average weekly cost of the full allowance of milk, orange juice and cod liver oil is 1s. 6d. There is no evidence that families not entitled to free supplies cannot meet this expenditure.
§ Mr. KeelingWill my right hon. and gallant Friend answer the middle part of the Question? Does not a purchase absorb 50 per cent. of the increase in the cash allowance? Does he not think that the decline in the consumption of these vital foods is a serious matter on which he ought to consult the Treasury and the Service Departments to see whether consumption can be restored to its old level?
§ Colonel LlewellinIt is not really 50 per cent., I am told, of the increase in the cash allowance.
§ Mr. KeelingWhat is it then?
§ Colonel LlewellinThe additional cash allowance of a corporal or lower rank 1231 ranges from 3s. to 10s., together with 3s. for the first child, 4s. for the second and 5s. for each additional child.