§ 22. Mrs. Mannasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he is aware that the National Food Survey, published in 1954, reveals that in families of three children the average diet falls below the nutritional standards of the British Medical Association; and what steps he has taken to remedy this situation.
Mr. AmoryI am aware that the average diet in families of three children fell somewhat below the recommendations of the British Medical Association in respect of two nutrients, protein and calcium, though it was actually higher in respect of six other main nutrients. These recommendations do not purport to be precise assessments of human requirements. But with this qualification in mind, the Survey findings are kept under constant review, and they were one of the factors taken into account when the Government decided to increase the family allowance for the third child. Large families are also assisted by the welfare and school milk schemes, and can obtain school meals free in cases of need.
§ Mrs. MannIs the Minister aware that the 1954 Report deals only with 1952; that further reports are not available, but that the indications are that in protein and calcium content the diet is far below that fixed by the B.M.A., and that the six items that the right hon. Gentleman indicated as being above are above only in carbohydrate, which has a very low food value?
Mr. AmoryThe Report for 1954 is at present in the hands of the printer and, I hope, will be out shortly. As regards the six main nutrients which these families received in excess of the minimum recommended, they cover iron, vitamin A, vitamin B1, riboflavin, nicotinic acid and vitamin C.