HC Deb 20 March 1945 vol 409 cc603-4
1. Mr. Edgar Granville

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is satisfied that the present position of food supplies in Newfoundland is adequate.

The Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Emrys-Evans)

Arrangements were made in 1943 whereby the Canadian and United States Governments, in concert with the Newfoundland Government, undertook to meet Newfoundland's war-time food requirements on the basis of imports in a normal prewar year, plus 20 per cent. to allow for the increase in the war-time population. These arrangements have worked satisfactorily in general, and are combined with a rationing system covering tea, sugar and evaporated milk. Experience has shown, however, that there is a certain lack of balance in the normal diet of large sections of the Newfoundland people. Steps, including the fortification of flour and margarine, have been taken to correct this, and to assist them in nutrition matters the Commission of Government last year invited a Committee composed of dietetic experts from the United Kingdom, Canada and United States, to undertake a survey in the Island. The preliminary findings of this Committee revealed that, in the limited area which they visited, many of the cases examined proved to be suffering from nutritional deficiencies. The report of the Committee is now being studied by a special Nutritional Council which the Commission have set up. Measures are already in progress to bring home to the people of Newfoundland the benefits of a more varied diet.

Mr. Granville

Can the hon. Gentleman give us an assurance that there is no serious food shortage or malnutrition among children; and can he also say whether, in the discussions of the allocation of supplies of foodstuffs, the requirements of Newfoundland will be given full consideration?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

Yes, Sir. As I pointed out in the first part of my answer, that is the case.

Mr. Granville

Can the hon. Gentleman say whether supplies of food will be sent to this Island under Lend-Lease?

Mr. Emrys-Evans

I do not think that arises on this Question. I pointed out in the first part of my answer what arrangements have been made.