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Ellen Wilkinson's speech on malnutrition

In 1935 Ellen Wilkinson became MP for Jarrow. During her time as an MP  Wilkinson was outspoken in the House of Commons, frequently drawing attention to the daily lived experiences of her constituents. Speaking about malnutrition in 1936, she said

"I remember one woman speaking to me and saying that because of the means test she had gone to live with her married son and daughter, who already had four small children. She said, "You know, I do not want to be a burden on them, so I slip out at meal times and say that I have had a bite at my neighbour's." I remember that case very vividly because the woman died. There was cardiac disease on the certificate, but her doctor told me that, of course, it was obvious the woman was more than half starved."

Title

Speech on malnutrition

Date

1936

Catalogue number

Parliamentary Archives, HC/OF/S5/314