§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he expects the expert group on cot deaths chaired by lady Limerick to publish its final report; if he will ask 147W the group to research the cause of levels of antimony and phosphorus compounds in infants; and if he will make a statement. [5844]
§ Mr. BoatengThe expert group on cot death theories has the following terms of reference
To review the findings of the report on "Sudden Infant Death Syndrome" (the "Turner report", 1991) and any subsequent data on hypotheses linking antimony with unexplained deaths in infants; and to advise the CMO on what further studies should be undertaken to investigate postulated causal relationships between chemicals and cot deaths.The group is expected to publish its final report in December 1997. It has given detailed consideration to all aspects of the theory and have recommended a considerable amount of research work, which has been funded by the Department. Any need for further action will be considered following publication of the report.