HC Deb 14 March 1962 vol 655 cc1300-2
20. Mr. Millan

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will state the number of welfare foods distribution centres in Scotland at 1st April, 1961, and at the latest convenient date.

Mr. Maclay

The arrangements for distributing the welfare foods are entirely a matter for the local authorities and they do not report the details to me.

Mr. Millan

Has the Secretary of State seen the report only last week that eight of these centres in Edinburgh are to be closed down because of reduced demand following the higher charges for welfare foods, and is it not obvious that if this process goes on the whole system will be completely destroyed? When is the Secretary of State going to revise this disastrous policy?

Mr. Maclay

The hon. Gentleman refers to a statement in the Press. I am told that the Corporation's health committee has recommended the closing of eight distribution centres, but I have not seen myself that the recommendation has been accepted by the parent body. The latter part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question widens the whole issue.

Mr. Hoy

Is not the Secretary of State aware that the result of the Government's decision is to increase the charges for commodities obtained at the health centres? In view of the fact that this may have repercussions on health centres in Scotland and other parts which will not be for the good of the country, will the right hon. Gentleman look again at the matter?

Mr. Maclay

That is completely hypothetical. There is no evidence that the health of the country is going to suffer in any way by the decision of the Government.

Mr. Manuel

How can the Secretary of State be so complacent about this breakdown in a vital and important service? Is he not aware that in every constituency there are thousands of wage earners who get £9 a week or less, and that it is these families that are now being deprived of these nutritious foods? Will he remember the deplorable housing conditions of thousands of people in Scotland and do something to help the children who live in those conditions to get away from the unhealthy environment in which they are forced to spend the tender years of their lives?

Mr. Maclay

The distribution of these welfare foods is not related to these conditions. These particular vitamins are available from other sources and are now being taken up. The hon. Gentleman referred to needy families not getting welfare foods. From answers to previous Questions, he knows that the increase in free provision is considerable.

Mr. Manuel

No.