Sugar Ration (Babies)

Oral Answers to Questions — Food Supplies – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 14 December 1949.

Alert me about debates like this

Photo of Mr Barnett Janner Mr Barnett Janner , Leicester West 12:00, 14 December 1949

asked the Minister of Food whether he is aware that mothers who are feeding their babies on national dried milk use 1½ teaspoons of sugar five times a day amounting to about a pound a week and whether, in cases of this kind, he will increase the child's sugar ration.

Photo of Dr Edith Summerskill Dr Edith Summerskill , Fulham West

The feeding directions supplied with national dried milk call for 1½ level teaspoons of sugar per feed. Domestic teaspoons vary in size but if, in accordance with the directions, a medium sized teaspoon is used, the baby's ration of sugar will be found more than sufficient.

Photo of Mr Barnett Janner Mr Barnett Janner , Leicester West

Is the right hon. Lady aware that it is a considerable amount, even in regard to the scarcity of sugar, and that, in consequence, families have to deny themselves of the ordinary ration which they would normally receive in order to provide the additional sugar? Will she look into it?

Photo of Dr Edith Summerskill Dr Edith Summerskill , Fulham West

I have reassured the hon. Gentleman on this question before, and the figures do not bear out what he alleges. If he will remember that a baby needs 7½ teaspoons of sugar a day, which equals 52½ teaspoons per week, if he will weigh that he will find that it is 6⅜ oz.