HC Deb 12 May 1959 vol 605 cc1035-6
36. Mrs. Mann

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he has read the report of Lord Boyd Orr in respect of the evidence that children are beginning to show signs of suffering from malnutrition diseases due to decreased consumption of the welfare foods, a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement on Government policy in regard to the future distribution of these foods in Scotland.

Mr. J. N. Browne

My right hon. Friend has read an extract from the report of a speech by Lord Boyd Orr on this subject, but he has no evidence of malnutrition due to decreased consumption of welfare foods, and he has received no representations from local authorities on the subject. He is, of course, anxious that full advantage should be taken of the facilities available.

Mrs. Mann

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his right hon. Friend could not have read the report very accurately or he would have seen the evidence which was submitted to Lord Boyd Orr from the Glasgow Department of Public Health? Does he not think it is necessary to have a drive in respect of welfare foods and particularly that the age limit for qualification for welfare foods should be raised from two years to five years?

Mr. Browne

We must continue the drive in this matter, but my right hon. Friend has not received any representations from health authorities. If they feel very strongly on this matter I sincerely hope that they would make such representations.