HC Deb 17 November 1952 vol 507 cc1397-8
55. Mr. Slater

asked the Minister of Food if he will consider increasing the butter ration of tuberculosis cases who are not at present resident in sanatoria.

Dr. Hill

On such matters as this my right hon. and gallant Friend is guided by the advice of the Special Diets Advisory Committee of the Medical Research Council. Those suffering from active tuberculosis at home receive the same rations as similar patients in sanatoria.

Mr. Slater

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that the opinion is expressed that tuberculosis patients, when resident in sanatoria, get adequate supplies of butter but that when they come out they cannot keep going properly because the ration they receive in the ordinary way is not adequate? Does he not think that further consideration should be given to this matter because, if my information is correct, these people are not allowed to use margarine?

Dr. Hill

It is the intention that the level of rationing should be the same for those at home as for those in sanatoria. If the hon. Member has any instance which leads him to doubt that I shall be very glad to look into it.