§ 44. Mr. Guy Barnettasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will make funds available through the bilateral aid programmes to Governments seeking help in the implementation and monitoring of the World Health Organisation code for marketing milk substitutes in developing countries.
§ Mr. Neil MartenAs my hon. Friend the Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security said on 3 December, we will give sympathetic consideration to any such requests, within the context of our aid and technical co-operation to the country in question, although the World Health Organisation is best placed to give such help.
§ Mr. BarnettIf the right hon. Gentleman has not yet received such a request, which may be what lies behind his reply, does he realise that his attitude is somewhat complacent, in view of the fact that international baby milk companies have been accused—in my view, with some justification—of causing an epidemic of infant malnutrition, sickness and death in North Yemen and similar conditions in other Third world countries? Does he recognise the difficulties that Third world countries have in monitoring and implementing this vital code? Is it not now time for the British Government to take a positive attitude and talk to developing countries positively with a view to seeing whether the World Health Organisation code can be monitored and implemented properly in the Third world to save infant life?
§ Mr. MartenAlthough I recognise the good spirit behind the question, I should point out that the World Health Organisation is doing the monitoring, is touring round and has offered help to any developing country that needs it to implement the code of practice. However, I feel that with independent sovereign countries we should not go round nannying or wet-nursing. Such a country is fully aware of the code of practice. It must make up its own mind what it wants to do about it. So far no one has asked for our help. If anyone seeks it, we are willing to consider any help.