46. Mr. De la Bèreasked the Minister of Food whether, in view of the fact that the rations advocated in the pamphlet issued by his Department on "How to plan meals for children from one to two years," are in many cases not obtainable, and the recommendations suggested are not considered suitable by a large body of medical opinion, will he withdraw this pamphlet.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food (Dr. Edith Summerskill)No, Sir. The quantities of food recommended are available from the present rations. The leaflet was prepared in consultation with medical officers experienced in maternity and child welfare work, and it has proved useful to mothers of young children.
Mr. De la BèreWill the hon. Lady tell us whether it is not a fact that well informed medical opinion suggested that the recommendations would not be of benefit to the children; whether it is really true that rations are available; and whether this pamphlet is not now going to be taken out of print and a new one issued? Why waste money and paper?
§ Dr. SummerskillI welcome this opportunity to tell the hon. Gentleman what is the standing of the well-informed medical opinion of which he speaks. The allegations in this Question first appeared in the "Sunday Express" of 20th June, in the form of an interview with a so-called Harley Street consultant. This man criticised my Department, and, indirectly, the eminent medical advisers who ad vise my Department. I am quite sure that the hon. Gentleman will be relieved to learn that this man is not on the medical register.
Mr. De la BèreIs the hon. Lady aware that I did not say he was, and that I did 2209 not say it had anything to do with the Press? I said this was the opinion of medical practitioners, who demonstrated that this was not a suitable diet. I could produce that opinion in half an hour for the hon. Lady.
§ Dr. SummerskillPerhaps the hon. Gentleman will tell me the name of the doctor who gave him this opinion?
§ Mr. ChurchillI suppose the hon. Lady wants to victimise him.