HC Deb 19 May 1971 vol 817 cc322-3W
Dame Joan Vickers

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, in view of the recent survey made by the National Dairy Council in the South West concerning the health of children, a copy of which is in his possession, in which it was stated that only 28 per cent. of children had a satisfactory diet and that seven out of 10 children were undernourished, what action will he take to rectify this situation.

Mr. Alison

I presume my hon. Friend is referring to a survey conducted by Dr. Lynch of Queen Elizabeth College, University of London, announced at a Press conference last September. The survey was said to suggest that the dietary pattern of numbers of children could give rise to much concern. To the best of my knowledge Dr. Lynch has not yet published his full report. However, I understand that his survey was made without any clinical or physical examinations and if this is so, its findings could not be considered adequate evidence of undernourishment.