§ Mr. BeithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what evidence and representations he has received as to costs of a diabetic diet to low-income families, especially in respect of diabetic children; and what response he has made.
§ Mrs. CurrieRepresentations have been received from the British Diabetic Association and from the hon. Member for Berwick-upon-Tweed and other hon. Members concerning the future of the diet allowance for diabetics on supplementary benefit. Under the new income support scheme, which comes into effect in April, there will be no special dietary addition. However, many diabetics will be entitled to a special premium on account of long term sickness, disability or old age. As the British Diabetic Association acknowledged, a diabetic diet need be no more expensive than an ordinary diet.