HC Deb 05 June 1946 vol 423 cc324-5W
81. Mr. Pritt

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that a supply of free milk and vitamins has been refused to a pregnant woman, the wife of a demobilised soldier undergoing a training course as a bricklayer, on the ground that her husband's pay of 70s. per week to pay rent of 15s. and maintain two adults and two children is too large, and that the husband is contemplating abandoning the training course in order to earn enough to pay for the proper nourishment of his wife; and what steps he is taking to ensure a free supply in this case.

Mr. Strachey

The income in the very hard case quoted by the hon. and learned Member is above the limit of the scale for free welfare foods benefit. I am extremely sorry but exceptions cannot be made for individual cases. However, in the autumn the Welfare Foods Scheme will be associated with family allowances in that it will represent benefits in kind for young children and expectant mothers. The arrangements for free welfare food benefits when this change is made are at present being considered.