§ 41. Mr. A. Hendersonasked the Minister of Health what further steps 29 he is proposing to take to increase the consumption of concentrated orange juice as a welfare food.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Miss Edith Pitt)None, Sir; but current measures will continue.
§ Mr. HendersonIn view of the nutritional value of this welfare food, may we take it that the Minister will endeavour to obtain greater supplies from next year's crop in Jamaica and the other West Indian territories that produce citrus products?
§ Commander KeransShould we not be running down the stocks of these welfare foods and not increasing them, because orange juice, and so on, should be given only to those who really need it?
§ Miss PittThat is the purpose of the Regulations which we put through the House: to concentrate on the priorities for families who were most in need of help.
§ Mr. K. RobinsonCan the hon. Lady say what success her publicity measures have been having? Has the fall in consumption continued or has the trend been reversed in recent months?
§ Miss PittThere has been a very slight reduction in the decrease in taking up this item, but I would not want to make anything of it. We are continuing the publicity so that mothers shall know that this, by comparison, cheap source of vitamins is available.
§ Mr. HendersonWhat stops is the Ministry taking to increase the consumption of these foods?
§ Miss PittLeaflets, personal persuasion, which is the most important, and general publicity through newspapers, radio and television.