HC Deb 31 January 1962 vol 652 cc1078-80
19. Mr. Manuel

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what amounts of cod liver oil and orange juice were distributed by Ayr County Council Health Department for the twelve weeks starting 4th July, 1960, and for a similar period starting 1st September, 1961; and what was the percentage decrease in the amount of each welfare food.

Mr. Galbraith

In the twelve weeks from 4th July, 1960, 23,105 bottles of orange juice and 3,906 bottles of cod liver oil were issued by Ayr County Council. In the twelve weeks from 4th September, 1961, 5,047 bottles of orange juice and 1,038 bottles of cod liver oil were issued. This represents a decrease of 78.2 per cent. for orange juice and 70.9 per cent. for cod liver oil.

Mr. Manuel

Is the Under-Secretary aware of the great concern of the medical officer of health and the members of the Ayr County Council because of this steep decrease—an 80 per cent. decrease—in welfare foods? Would he not agree that it was a wrong decision to impose charges? Is he further aware that many knowledgeable people in the medical world in Scotland think that it was a shocking thing for the Secretary of State for Scotland to lend his support to charges being placed on these welfare foods? Could he indicate whether the repercussions are to the effect that there can only be a great increase in illness and the spread of more disease among the weaker and poorer-paid sections of our community?

Mr. Galbraith

I think the hon. Gentleman has got his facts wrong.

Mr. Manuel

On a point of order. May I ask for your Ruling, Mr. Speaker? I have given the percentage decrease, and I have based my supplementary question on that. How can it be wrong, if the Answer was given by the hon. Gentleman himself?

Mr. Speaker

I am afraid that some difference about figures between the hon. Gentleman and the Minister does not raise a point of order for me.

Miss Herbison

Is not the Minister worried and shocked by what these figures reveal? When he found what the figures revealed, did he try to find out what has been happening in the rest of Scotland? Is he not ashamed that the policy of his Government is militating against the health of young children in Scotland, and is he satisfied that these mean, petty increases by the Government should have this detrimental effect on the health of the children?

Mr. Galbraith

The hon. Lady must remember that we have not got to the election yet. I am neither worried, shocked nor ashamed, and the reason is that I come to a different conclusion from that of the hon. Member for Central Ayrshire (Mr. Manuel). The important thing is not the amount of welfare foods being consumed, but whether or not—and this is the Answer that I gave before Christmas—the health of the mothers and babies has suffered. That is what we will keep our eyes on, and at the moment there is no evidence that it is suffering.

Miss Herbison

The Minister has said that he will keep his eyes on the health of the children and mothers. In other words, have we to wait complacently until mothers and children are ill as the result of these cuts? Is that what the Minister is waiting for?

Hon. Members

Answer.

Mr. Manuel

Owing to the most unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I will take an early opportunity to raise the matter and give the hon. Gentleman more information in an Adjournment debate.