§ Lord Brockwayasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will prepare a code of practice on advertising by British firms of baby foods in developing countries, in view of the evidence that some are contravening the recommendations of the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children's Fund resulting in the death of many babies.
The Minister of State, Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (Earl Ferrers)The responsibility for controlling the advertising of baby foods within any country lies with the Government of that country. We, therefore, are not in a position to influence such advertising in other countries. This principle has been accepted by the World Health Organisation, and it forms the basis of their proposals for an international Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes. This Code is still under discussion and Her Majesty's Government are closely involved in its preparation.