40. Mrs. Butlerasked the Minister of Health what action he proposes to take to facilitate the distribution of cod liver oil and orange juice so that these welfare foods may be readily available to all the children under five years of age who need them.
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithMy right hon. Friend is making inquiries into the consumption and distribution of welfare foods, and when they are complete he will consider whether any further action is required.
Mrs. ButlerWhile thanking the hon. Lady for that reply, may I receive an assurance from her that the Minister realises that most of the people who collect these bottles of orange juice and cod liver oil are mothers accompanied by their small children, and that they cannot travel very long distances to collect these supplies of essential foods?
§ Miss Hornsby-SmithI appreciate what the hon. Lady has said, but difficulties have arisen in very few areas. I am glad to say that the uptake of orange juice, about which there was some concern earlier in the year, in the third quarter showed a very marked increase 1649 to 9½04 million bottles, compared with 7½42 million in the second quarter and 5½99 million in the first quarter. That is a distinct improvement on the not-so-good figure earlier in the year, and it looks as if the difficulties have been ironed out in many areas. We have the matter under close review, particularly in those areas where the change-over does not seem to have been wholly satisfactory.