§ Mr. SteinbergTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what are the figures of consumption of essential foods for a healthy diet, for families with children under five years in(a) the richest income groups and (b) the poorest income groups; and if he will subdivide these figures by region.
§ Mr. SoamesAll foods can be components of a healthy diet. No single food is essential. It is the overall balance of foods—and so of nutrients—which is important. The Ministry's national food survey does not separate families with children under five from families with older children, but the results do indicate that in general the diets of232W families in all income groups and regions contain adequate levels of minerals and vitamins, but rather more fat and less fibre than that recommended by the Chief Medical Officer's Committee on the Medical Aspects of Food Policy in its report on dietary reference values published in 1991. As part of a separate study, the Government are currently measuring the diets and health status of children under five years in all regions and income groups. It is planned to publish the results from this in 1994.