HC Deb 08 May 1957 vol 569 cc968-9
24. Mr. Rankin

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what surveys have been made as to the extent of malnutrition in the dependent territories; and what systematic plan is being developed to check its spread and finally to eradicate it.

Mr. Profumo

In addition to the normal work of medical departments in this field, extensive surveys have been made in Nigeria, Uganda and St. Kitts, and surveys of particular areas or groups of the population have been made in many territories, notably in British Guiana, Fiji and other South Pacific territories, Jamaica, the Gambia, Nyasaland and the Federation of Malaya. Eradication of malnutrition involves research into its causes, which are various, and is bound up with the economic and social progress of the territories. I am sure that the problem is much in the mind of every Government.

Mr. Rankin

The Minister of State has referred to the surveys in Nigeria and St. Kitts. Why is it so difficult for Members of this House to get these reports? Is it the case that their availability to Members of Parliament is within the discretion of the Governors concerned? Is it not the case that, as I pointed out last Wednesday, there are only two territories in the whole of the dependent Empire where we have fully-trained nutrition officers; and in view of the extent of malnutrition in the dependent territories, is that not a scandal? Will not the Minister consider seconding an officer from his Department to take special charge of this matter in order to organise it along better lines than presently obtain?

Mr. Profumo

A great deal is being done in this direction, which, as the hon. Member, who takes a very close interest in the matter, realises, is an extremely difficult problem. I will certainly look into the question of the reports to which the hon. Member has referred. I know of no reason why they should not be available to hon. Members.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Minister aware that the malnutrition report for Uganda refers to the lack of protein content of food in the Protectorate, and that despite that, the Administration in Uganda continue to export to the Congo fish which should be consumed in Uganda?

Mr. Profumo

I cannot answer that question in detail, but I can tell the House that there has been a general trend of improvement in dietary standards.