HC Deb 03 May 1960 vol 622 cc874-5
31. Miss Herbison

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many complaints he has had of the lack of balance and the inadequacy of vitamins in the diet of patients in hospital in Scotland.

Mr. T. G. D. Galbraith

My right hon. Friend is not aware of any general deficiency in the dietary standards of Scottish hospitals, and he has had no recent complaints. A Committee appointed by the Scottish Health Services Council in 1958 is looking into a number of aspects of hospital catering.

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister aware that there have been complaints, even if they have not reached the ears of the Secretary of State for Scotland, first, about the lack of balance in the diet and, secondly, about the lack of vitamin C in the diet? Will this Committee take into account both those points, because they are of the greatest importance? It is not the amount but the quality of the food given to a patient that matters.

Mr. Galbraith

The Committee's terms of reference are very wide and it will be able to deal with those aspects of the matter.