§ 34. Mr. F. Noel-Bakerasked the Minister of Health what representations he has received from dentists' organisations regarding misleading toothpaste advertisements; and what reply he has sent.
§ The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Health (Mr. Richard Thompson)While he is aware that the British Dental Association is worried about it my right hon. and learned Friend has not received formal representations from dentists' organisations on this subject.
§ Mr. Noel-BakerIn anticipation of formal representations which I have no doubt will be reaching the Minister shortly, will the hon. Gentleman ask his right hon. and learned Friend to look at the leading article in the current issue of the British Dental Journal and tell us why it is that misleading and dangerous advertising regarding Gleem and Colgate's Dental Cream was withdrawn, according to The Times, only last week although the attention of the right hon. and learned Gentleman was drawn to these dangers in a debate on advertising which I initiated on 21st November? How does the hon. Gentleman explain this extraordinary delay?
§ Mr. ThompsonI think it is relevant to observe, following what the hon. Gentleman has said, that the Independent Television Authority, acting on the advice of the Advertising Advisory Committee, has decided that a number of toothpaste advertisements which are considered to be misleading should be withdrawn or modified. This follows objections from the British Dental Association through its representatives on that Committee.