§ 2. Mr. Osborneasked the Minister of Food why no household dried milk for consumer public nor canned evaporated milk to catering establishments or institutions has been issued this year; what are his stocks as compared with last year; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. StracheyThe United States is our main source of supply for both household dried milk and canned evaporated milk. Household dried milk is not being distributed to the general public this winter but canned evaporated milk, which is the more nourishing and convenient product, will be distributed. Considerable supplies of evaporated milk are available on points, but we cannot afford to make a point-free allocation to caterers this year. I am not prepared to give stock figures.
§ 15. Mr. Sylvesterasked the Minister of Food whether in view of the shortage of dried milk and the probable misuse of same he will limit the allocation to babies up to the age of 12 months except in cases where an extension is advised by a medical practitioner; and will he consider giving directions that the allocation of same be made solely from child welfare centres.
§ Mr. StracheyI have recently issued an Order (S.R. & O. 1947, No. 2151), which requires the production and marking of the ration book of a child under two years old when any purchase of proprietary baby food is made. So long as supplies are sufficient for children under two, I do not propose to limit the allocation to children under 12 months. I think that to confine distribution to child welfare centres might make it difficult for some mothers to get dried milk.