HC Deb 01 November 1957 vol 575 cc117-8W
Mr. D. Marshall

asked the Minister of Health whether a decision has now been taken with regard to the steps which are necessary to implement the recommendations in paragraph 102 of the Report of the Joint Sub-Committee on Welfare Foods that national cod liver oil should continue to be provided for children up to the age of 5 years; and whether action has now been taken with regard to paragraph 99 and the proposed request by him to local authorities to examine the possibility of improving present distribution arrangements.

Mr. Walker-Smith

Cod liver oil will continue to be provided for children up to the age of 5 years, but arrangements have been made to reduce the vitamin D content, as advised by the Joint Sub-Committee. The attention of local health authorities has been drawn to paragraph 99 of the Report in a circular issued on 4th October and they have been requested to consider whether any improvements can be made in their arrangements for distributing welfare foods, particularly with regard to the siting of centres, the hours of opening and the arrangements for payment.