HC Deb 09 June 1959 vol 606 c797
22. Mr. Stonehouse

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether he has seen the advertisement for Eleven Plus Re-Vitalising Tonic for Young People; and what action he is taking to control such advertising, which is of concern to the teaching profession.

Mr. J. Rodgers

I have seen certain advertisements of this product. As they appear to contain no false or misleading information, I do not propose to take any action.

Mr. Stonehouse

Is the Minister aware that that Answer is not good enough? Does he know that the teaching profession is very much concerned about the advertising of such products, which can cause harmful effects to children who are already subject to a considerable amount of tension at examination time, and will he look further at this to see whether any code of conduct can be established?

Mr. Rodgers

We have consulted the Ministry of Health and are advised that this preparation may be loosely described as an iron-vitamin tonic and does not contain any tranquilising, sedative or stimulant ingredient or drugs. I would say in reply to my hon. Friend that where a child is ill, parents would be well advised to go to their normal medical practitioner and not to rely on this preparation.