§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what current guidance has been given to(a) maternity units in hospitals that have been granted trust status and (b) other maternity units in England regarding offers from manufacturers of free samples of milk powder or other infant formulae.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyMaternity units in hospitals granted trust status remain part of the national health service and are, therefore, covered by the guidance contained in HC(89)21 issued to all regional. district and special health authorities in England and Wales in July 1989. It instructed them neither to accept nor distribute free samples and to refuse to accept subsidised supplies of infant formulae. A copy of HC(89)21 is in the Library. This was part of the Government's response to the World Health Organisation's programme to promote and protect breastfeeding. In addition, authorities were advised to ensure that acceptance of any gift or other commercial donation should not be seen to have influenced their purchasing choice.