§ Mr. McCrindleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are his intentions for the future of children's vitamin drops and vitamin tablets for expectant and nursing mothers.
§ Sir George YoungBecause of increased raw material and production costs, the United Kingdom Health Ministers have agreed that the following price increases will take effect from 5 January 1981 for vitamin supplements bought at clinics and welfare food
322Wdistribution centres:
Present Price Increased Price Children's vitamin drops (per bottle) 14p 16p Vitamin tablets for expectant and nursing mothers (per container) 30p 33p The Welfare Food Order, 1980, will require amendment to give effect to these changes and an amending order will be laid before the House in due course.
The effect of the price increases will be that a family with an expectant mother and two children under 5 would pay about 1p extra a week. Vitamin supplements will continue to be available free in exchange for tokens under the Welfare Food Order 1980 for expectant and nursing mothers and young children in families receiving supplementary benefit, family income supplement or qualifying on grounds of low income.