§ 23. Mrs. Joyce Butlerasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will promote a campaign to encourage caterers and the public generally to provide more fresh vegetables and fruit in menus.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartNo, Sir. A number of organisations are already active in this field and it is for them to consider whether to intensify their efforts.
§ Mrs. ButlerIs the hon. Gentleman aware that this is an important question of the nation's diet which is increasingly deficient in Vitamin C, due largely to the almost complete disappearance of fresh vegetables and fruit from catering of all kinds? As this is already having serious effects on health, including a return of signs of scurvy, will the hon. Gentleman consult his nutritionists again on this?
§ Mr. StodartI do not think it is for the Government to institute a campaign on this matter again. I think it is better done by those with expert knowledge of it. There are many bodies in the field, including the British Farm Produce Council, the fruit producers, apple and pear producers and the mushroom growers.