§ Mr Spearingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will take steps to diagnose the cause of so-called hyperactivity in children; and if he will review current practices in respect of testing approved additives in manufactured foodstuffs.
§ Sir George YoungThere is no commonly accepted definition of "hyperactivity" and medical opinion is that hyperactivity in children may be a symptom of a number of underlying causes. The Department is encouraging research into hyperactivity and is currently considering some research proposals. If evidence emerges that diet is a component affecting the problem of hyperactivity, this will be taken into account by the independent expert committees which advise on the safety in use of food additives.