§ Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, as part of his preservation and conservation policy for dental care, he will take steps to encourage food manufacturers to reduce the high levels of refined sugar in processed foods.
§ Dr. VaughanI do not consider that the encouragement of food manufacturers to reduce levels of refined sugar in processed foods is a realistic general approach to ensuring dental care. The best way forward is through the education of the public so that people can make a well-informed choice about a healthy diet. The Health Education Council has an important role in this. The Health Departments of Great Britain and Northern Ireland have produced a booklet called "Eating for Health"—HMSO, 1978—which contains a section on dental caries and the misuse of sugar.