HC Deb 02 February 1915 vol 69 cc4-5W
Mr. SHERWELL

asked the President of the Local Government Board if the Greenwich Board of Guardians have, as an alleged consequence of the War, considerably curtailed the dietary allowed to the children in the homes under their control, and, among other changes, have disallowed the egg formerly provided once a week and the bacon which formerly constituted one of the children's dinners, and have also reduced the supply of milk; and, if so, whether he proposes to make any representations to the Greenwich Board of Guardians in respect of these reductions?

Mr. HERBERT SAMUEL

I have been in communication with the board of guardians, and I am informed that the supply of eggs and bacon was discontinued for a time owing to the high prices of these articles, but was resumed when the prices dropped to a reasonable figure. When the eggs and bacon were not supplied, adequate substitutes were provided. The supply of milk has not been curtailed, except for a short period when the contractor could not deliver the full quantity. During this time the full amount was supplied to the younger children, the shortage being made up by a supply of condensed milk for the elder boys. I understand that care is taken, by means of personal inspection on the part of the master and matron of the homes, to secure that the children are always well fed.