HC Deb 11 March 1970 vol 797 cc1334-5
29. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food whether he is aware that poorer families with children spend less than half the amount on food per head than better-off families of adults only; and what action he is taking to bring about more equal consumption.

Mr. Hoy

The Report of the National Food Survey for 1967 which gives this information makes it clear that food expenditure per head varies much more with size and composition of the family than with income. Children require less food than adults, and better-off families of adults only may wish to buy more expensive food. As regards the last part of the Question, I understand from my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services that it is a major objective of the Government's social policies to ensure that the diet of poorer families is nutritionally adequate.

Mr. Jenkins

Is my right hon. Friend aware that not only is the consumption very much smaller at the lower level, but the consumption of cheaper and more filling foods represents a larger proportion so that the diet is not merely smaller in quantity but less nutritious? Is my right hon. Friend satisfied on the latter point?

Mr. Hoy

No. We should like to see it raised. That is why I referred to my right hon Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services in the last part of the answer.

Mr. Peter Mills

But does the right hon. Gentleman realise that the best way to help the poorer families is to get rid of this Socialist Government? Last year, the cost of food went up 6.4 per cent., whereas under Tory Governments the biggest increase was 2.4 per cent.

Mr. Hoy

As I said earlier, the cost of food went up least of all in these years. Certainly it went up much less than earnings. The hon. Gentleman should remember the question which one of his hon. Friends asked only a few moments ago advocating that we should increase the price of meat in this country.

Mr. Maudling

The right hon. Gentleman said that children need less food than adults. Has he any experience of teenage sons?

Mr. Hoy

I am glad to be able to answer in the affirmative. It is true that when children reach that stage their food consumption is very great indeed. But I accept the figures given in the National Food Survey in connection with much younger families.