HC Deb 14 December 1966 vol 738 cc443-4
14. Mr. Gwilym Roberts

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what estimates are available of the proportion of the population consuming less than the recommended daily food requirement of 2,400 Kcal; and what steps he is taking to deal with this problem.

Mr. Hoy

There is no such requirement applicable to all individuals. Calorie requirements vary with age, sex, and activity, and the figure quoted by my hon. Friend is an average estimate weighted for the different groups in the population, who have widely differing needs. That the proportion of the population not attaining the recommended standards for the different groups is minimal may be judged from the June 1966 National Food Survey finding that average household calorie intake was 7 per cent. above the recommended average allowance.

Mr. Roberts

Does the hon. Gentleman agree, however, that thousands of these people exist and that many of them are aged? Will he undertake to plan on a nation-wide scale the delivery of free milk and free meals to the unemployed, to old-age pensioners and to the sick in their own homes?

Mr. Hoy

We must obviously take account of the needs of every section of the community, both economically and in terms of age, but I am certain that my hon. Friend will not expect me to make such an announcement in reply to a supplementary question.