§ 21. Dr. Barnett Strossasked the Minister of Food whether he will give an estimate of value, in terms of calories, vitamins and mineral salts, of the foodstuffs which are to be no longer imported, giving the figures for the next 12 months.
§ The Minister of Food (Major Lloyd George)It would be misleading to attempt to express cuts in non-sterling expenditure as reductions in nutritional standards. The loss of supplies may be made up in part by additional sterling imports, by use of stocks and by greater consumption of the foods on which there is no restriction.
§ Dr. StrossIs the Minister aware that it is thought there may be an appreciable degradation in the standard of the 1903 national diet unless urgent steps are taken in the ways already outlined in his answer, and will he assure the House that he will constantly bear in mind the fact that the nation's health will depend on his action?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeI can assure the hon. Gentleman that I am constantly watching the position, and that I will keep the matter in mind.
§ Dr. Edith SummerskillIn view of the increasing shortage of rationed food, can the Minister say whether he is considering the introduction of a points scheme which would ensure an equable distribution of unrationed goods?
§ Major Lloyd GeorgeNot at the moment.