§ 49. Mr. Collinsasked the Minister of Health if he is satisfied that the additional sum of £500,000 allocated for the provision of food for patients in mental hospitals and mental deficiency institutions is, together with moneys, already available, sufficient for the provision of an adequate and balanced diet; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TurtonI would refer the hon. Member to my reply on 7th May to Questions asked by the hon. Member for Barking (Mr. Hastings).
§ Mr. CollinsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that when this extra sum was allocated it was only half what was required to ensure an adequate and balanced diet and that since then prices have increased still further, to such an extent that the £500,000 has been, as it were, wiped out? Will he not look at the matter again, to see if he can find some more money to ensure that these people are adequately fed?
§ Mr. TurtonNo, I think the hon. Member is under a misapprehension. This £500,000 is extra to the estimates, and the estimates are always contingent on price changes. Therefore, there is £500,000 extra, and £500,000 is not a negligible sum.