asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the trend of consumption levels of basic foodstuffs indicated in the latest edition of "Social Trends"; and if she will take steps to ensure that minimum standards of nourishment are maintained in families with low earnings.

Information about the trends in food consumption is derived from the National Food Survey of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. The Chief Medical Officer's Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy is paying close attention to the nutritional implications of the most recent trends, including those for households in low she proposes to announce the results of the next review of pension levels.

An announcement will be made at the appropriate time after that review has been completed.