Nutrition Survey

This began as a scheme proposed by Lady Rhys-Williams to improve maternity services in the Rhondda Valley and was first discussed by the Executive Committee of the NBTF in July 1933. Until the end of 1934 the scheme provided only for additional ante-natal care. From Christmas 1934 there was an experimental scheme to distribute additional foodstuffs to certain mothers. Grants were obtained from the Commissioner for Special Areas for other areas in South Wales and eventually all "special areas" including North East England. The Marquess of Bute also donated money for foodstuffs and provision of sterile dressings. In Apr 1937 the Research committee of the JCM was established to take over the administration of the nutrition survey. This was directed by Dr Margaret Balfour and continued to Jun 1939.

The records in this section contain a few records about the first three years of the scheme under the NBTF. The bulk of the records cover the JCM's administration of the scheme: distribution of supplies through local Medical Officers of Health, returns of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and reports of results.