§ 25. Mr. Doddsasked the Minister of Health what consideration has been given by his Department to the dangers which arise from the wide disparity in the size of teaspoons which are used for taking medicines, especially by children; and what advice and guidance is given to the public in this respect.
§ Miss PittMy right hon. Friend is not aware of any need for him to give advice and guidance to the public in this respect.
§ Mr. DoddsIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that there is a wide disparity in the size of teaspoons and the way they are used? While the National Health Service provides so much medicine, is it not important that there should be some standardisation in this respect? Is it not a fact that certain people can have four, five or six times the quantity taken by others? May this not be harmful in some cases and, in others, where antibiotics are used, if too little is taken, is not the result of little value? Should not something be done about it now?
§ Miss PittI am sure that my right hon. Friend is aware that there is a wide variety in teaspoons, but there is a wide margin of safety between the therapeutic dose and the dangerous dose, even for children. It is, I think, for parents to take the necessary steps not to exceed this.