HC Deb 26 February 1962 vol 654 cc933-4
40. Mr. K. Robinson

asked the Minister of Health what success has attended his campaign to encourage the purchase of orange juice and cod liver oil following removal of the subsidy; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Powell

I cannot estimate by how much purchases of vitamin supplements would have declined if nothing had been done to recommend them.

Mr. Robinson

Have they not declined enough already? Is the Minister really satisfied that the fact that only one-quarter of the orange juice and cod liver oil that was being taken up a year ago is being taken up again is not leading to at any rate a risk of the reappearance of vitamin deficiency diseases? Does he not think that this is a very high price to pay in terms of health for the saving of something under £1 million?

Mr. Powell

There is no evidence at all that any price is being paid in terms of health. The actual take-up is substantially more than a quarter of what it was at this time last year. I have no doubt that the publicity measures taken have helped to sustain sales at that level.

Mr. Frank Allaun

Did not the Parliamentary Secretary give a clear promise to the House last April that if the consumption of these foods fell owing to the increased charges the matter would be reconsidered? Has not consumption fallen by over two-thirds? Surely we are entitled to hear something on this.

Mr. Manuel

Honour the pledge.

Mr. Powell

I am continuously watching this but, as I have said, there is no evidence at all of any failure to obtain the necessary vitamins, and all the relevant indices continue to improve.

Mr. Manuel

The worst Minister in the House.