§ 1. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health what amounts of cod liver oil, vitamins A and D tablets, and orange juice were distributed by the Health Department of the County of Middlesex for the eight weeks starting 4th July, 1960, and for a similar period starting 3rd July, 1961, respectively; and what was the percentage of decrease in each welfare food.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Edith Pitt)I will, with permission, circulate the figures in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Mr. PavittIs the hon. Lady aware that in the Willesden area there has been a decrease of 65 per cent. in this period and that the number of cod liver oil items fell from 2,745 to only 900 and of orange juice from 2,100 to fewer than 700? Will the Ministry reconsider this disincentive with a view to reversing its policy?
§ Miss PittI am aware that the published figures will show that there has been a reduction in consumption, but it is probably a little premature to come to any conclusions. There was a considerably increased intake in May when mothers knew that the charges were to be altered.
§ Following are the figures:
| — | Quantities | Percentage Decrease | |
| 4th July to 27th August, 1960 | 3rd July to 26th August, 1961 | ||
| Cod liver oil (bottles) | 15,960 | 5,177 | 68 |
| Vitamins A and D tablets (packets) | 18,910 | 9,386 | 50 |
| Orange juice (bottles) | 163,526 | 64,160 | 61 |