§ Mr. Nichollsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has received representations about the possible harmful effect of sugar-based medicines on children's teeth; and what evidence is available to his Department.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeWe have received expert advice on several occasions that the long term use of sugar-based medicines in children can have severe dental consequences in the from of rampant dental decay. A warning to this effect has been included in the British National Formulary under the section entitled "Prescribing for Children". I have been encouraged to see that a number of manufacturers have reformulated some of their paediatric medicines to eliminate sucrose.