§ 75. Mrs. Jean Mannasked the Minister of Food if he will publish a list of the physical ailments which entitle patients to priority food rations; and, in each case, particulars of the foods concerned and the amount.
§ Mr. StracheyA list of the conditions for which extra foods are allowed has been circulated to all registered medical practitioners. It would not be in the general interest to publish this information, which the medical profession alone can use and interpret.
§ Mrs. MannI would like to ask the Minister why it is not in the general interest, and if it is not the case that medical men are pestered by people who believe that they can get these extra rations for all kinds of diseases, and, further, if he will extend these extra rations to the wasting diseases?
§ Mr. StracheyOur advice comes very strongly from the medical profession, and our medical advisers are strongly of the view that we should not publish this information. But I am very willing to look at the matter again.
§ Mrs. MannIs it not from the "Yes" men in the medical profession that this particular advice comes to the Minister?
§ Sir T. MooreCould the hon. Gentleman say if hunger will be one of the reasons?
§ Mr. StracheyHunger is not a disease.
§ Sir T. MooreIt is a disability.