HC Deb 27 May 1957 vol 571 c22
33. Dr. Stross

asked the Minister of Health if he will make a statement on the recorded effects of the public provision of orange juice and cod liver oil on the health of infants and young children since the inception of the scheme.

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

I am afraid it is not possible for these effects to be isolated from those of other nutritional and health factors.

Dr. Stross

While it may well be true that they cannot be scientifically isolated, has the Parliamentary Secretary noted the expression of opinion in some quarters that all the work that was done to help children in this way has been useless? Does the Department concur with that opinion, or does he agree with me, for example, that it is nonsense to say so?

Mr. Vaughan-Morgan

As the hon. Member probably knows, my right hon. Friend has recently received and is now considering an expert report on welfare foods from a joint committee of the English and Scottish Standing Medical Advisory Committees, and I think my right hon. Friend would like to have time to consider that.