§ Sir WILLIAM COLLINSasked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Food whether he is aware that applications for sanction to use pure wheaten flour, though duly supported by medical certificate, are being refused on the ground that a general ruling has been given that persons suffering from certain scheduled diseases would not be detrimentally affected by the use of Government regulation flour or the bread made from it; and whether he will give the names of the professional authorities who have approved this method of dealing by way of general ruling on scheduled diseases and en bloc with, such cases instead of either accepting the medical certificate or investigating the merits of each case, and also furnish the schedules of diseases for which. in the opinion of these authorities, pure wheaten flour is regarded as essential, as well as of those for which the use of Government regulation flour is not in their opinion detrimental?
§ Mr. CLYNESEvery application for permission to use wheaten flour is considered and dealt with on its merits. In view, however, of the fact that these applications showed a considerable increase in number and frequently appeared to be based on insufficient grounds, it was determined, after consultation with the War Bread Medical Sub-Committee of the Royal Society, to issue a memorandum for the guidance of medical men asked to furnish certificates. This memorandum was 737W published on 20th October in the "British Medical Journal" and the "Lancet," and I am sending a copy to my hon. Friend. Applications are considered in the first instance by the scientific adviser to the Food Controller; doubtful cases are referred to Sir Thomas Barlow and Dr. Robert Hutchison, who have agreed to act as honorary medical referees.