§ 16. Mr. Marquandasked the Minister of Health to make a statement indicating the trend in the consumption of welfare foods since responsibility for their distribution was transferred to local authorities.
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§ Miss Hornsby-SmithThere has been a downward trend, and further particulars are given in the table below. These foods are, of course, intended for those whose diet might otherwise be deficient and the arrangements of the local authorities are well adapted to concentrate attention on this group. In the community as a whole the downward trend may well continue with the continuing improvement in the general diet and standard of living. The Department will maintain a close watch on developments.
Following is the table
Complete returns have not yet been received from all local health authorities, but the table shows the estimated total quantities of welfare foods distributed by all authorities in July to December, 1954, in England and Wales and the quantities distributed in the preceding 12 months.
Welfare Food Period 1953 July-Dec. 1954 Jan.-June 1954 July-Dec. National dried milk (millions of tins) 12. 34 11. 92 11. 333 Cod liver oil (millions of bottles) 3. 28 3. 30 2. 79 Vitamins A and D (millions of packets) 1. 03 1. 03 0. 83 Orange juice (millions of bottles) 15. 58 14. 81 13. 41