HC Deb 03 November 1969 vol 790 cc634-5
30. Mr. Orme

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans his Department has for abolishing the charges for welfare foods, such as milk and orange juice.

The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Dr. John Dunwoody)

None, Sir.

Mr. Orme

I know that my hon. Friend feels very strongly about this matter, and I was hoping to hear from him that some funds might be available so that it could be reviewed. In the very young age group, particularly in constituencies like mine, there is a great deal of distress, and I ask my hon. Friend to look urgently at the matter again.

Dr. Dunwoody

There has not been any increase in charges for welfare foods since 1961, with the exception of the price of welfare milk, which went up from 4d. to 6d. a pint last year. The increase in the price of welfare milk did not have any significant effect on the up-take. If new evidence comes before us we shall look at it, but at the moment I do not think that there is anything further that I can usefully say.

Mr. Manuel

Can my hon. Friend say why he has changed his mind? I ask my hon. Friend to look not into the crystal ball but into the past before he gives his answer.

Dr. Dunwoody

I do not think that I want to go into the past too much. Welfare food is not an issue on which I have ever felt particularly strongly. I do not support that view.