HC Deb 09 June 1981 vol 6 cc74-5W
Mr. William Hamilton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the consideration by the World Health Organisation of the code to curb the advertising of baby foods in the developing countries; and if he will ensure that the code is observed by British companies.

Dr. Vaughan

I am pleased to announce that on 21 May the WHO's World Health Assembly voted by an overwhelming majority to adopt the code of marketing of breast milk substitutes as a recommendation to member States.

The United Kingdom has given its full support to the code during the extensive discussions which have taken place during the past 18 months. The Government will now be considering, in consultation with all interested parties, how best to implement the code in the United Kingdom. We do not, of course, have any jurisdiction over marketing activities which take place outside our own territory.