§ 34. Mr. Pavittasked the Minister of Health why the figures of the number of cases of rickets in the years 1938, 1939, 1958, and 1959 are not available.
§ Mr. PavittIs the hon. Lady aware of the very large decrease in the incidence of rickets in the years mentioned in the Question and the fact that one of the reasons for it, apart from the rising standards of living, has been the orange juice and vitamin resources of local welfare clinics? In view of the fact that the use of these has dropped by 70 per cent. throughout the country, will the Minister reconsider the question of the charges on vitamin foods, cod liver oil and orange juice?
§ Miss PittI do not think that that arises out of the Question. I agree that gross deforming rickets have been disappearing, and I am very happy to note it, but when we consider the causes of rickets we find that there are a number, of which dietary deficiency is only one. There has been a survey of cases of rickets caused by dietary deficiency, and I understand that figures are being obtained for 1960 and the first half of 1961, so that some information should be available in the future.