HC Deb 21 February 1940 vol 357 cc1367-9W
Dr. Summerskill

asked the Minister of Food whether he will give instructions to food control committees to give an extra ration of butter to patients certified by a doctor to be suffering from a serious illness where it is essential that the diet should be palatable?

Mr. W. S. Morrison

I am advised that the committee of the Medical Research Council, which was specially appointed to consider the needs of invalids and persons upon a special diet in relation to the rationing of certain foodstuffs, were unanimously of the opinion that there is no evidence to show that certain individuals are unable satisfactorily to digest margarine replacing butter in their diets. In view of this authoritative pronouncement, I cannot accept the suggestion in the hon. Member's Question

Mr. G. Griffiths

asked the Minister of Food whether he will publish, as a White Paper, the findings of the medical committee which he set up, with reference to diet for invalids, and the names of the committee?

Mr. Morrison

No, Sir. Following, however, are the names of the members of the Committee and their finding in regard to the provision of extra rations for invalids.

The following form the committee of the Medical Research Council appointed to advise from time to time whether it is necessary on medical grounds to modify or supplement rations in the case of invalids and other persons on special diets:

Chairman.

Sir Edward Mellanby, K.C.B., M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.S., K.H.P.

Members.

Professor L. S. P. Davidson M.D., F.R.C.P.E., University of Edinburgh.

The Rt. Hon. the Viscount Dawson of Penn, P.C., G.C.V.O., K.C.B., K.C.M.G., F.R.C.P.

Professor F. R. Fraser, M.D., F.R.C.P., British Postgraduate Medical School, London.

Professor H. P. Himsworth, M.D., F.R.C.P., University College Hospital, London.

R. D. Lawrence, Esq., M.D., F.R.C.P., King's College Hospital, London.

R. A. McCance, Esq., M.D., Ph.D., F.R.C.P., University of Cambridge.

J. C. Spence, Esq., M.C., M.D., F.R.C.P., Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

The finding of the Committee in their first report was:

"Provided adequate supplies of vitaminised margarine are available, the committee do not consider that the present rationing regulations necessitate the provision of extra rations of any food for cases of diabetes, mellitus or of any other diseases."

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