HC Deb 01 February 1944 vol 396 cc1104-5
11. Colonel Greenwell

asked the Secretary of State for War if he is aware that the provision of light diet at base hospitals in Italy is insufficient for patients suffering from gastric disorders or from dysentery, and if, to rectify this state of affairs, he will consider having the relatively small quantities of foodstuffs required supplied regularly by air.

Sir J. Grigg

I am glad to say that the incidence of dysentery and gastric disorders in this theatre of war has been very low in recent months. It has been difficult at times to maintain an adequate supply of fresh eggs but I do not know that there has been any other difficulty in providing suitable light diets for patients in base hospitals.

Colonel Greenwell

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that officers have had to return to this country in order to obtain a suitable diet, and will he consider transporting the necessary small amount of foodstuffs by air to help out the position in base hospitals?

Sir J. Grigg

My answer, I think, casts a certain amount of doubt on my hon. and gallant Friend's information. If he still believes that his information is correct, perhaps he will send it to me.