§ Mr. Ernie Rossasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if his Department has studied the research work being undertaken at Ruhr university on the connection between changes in the acidity of the fluid surrounding the lungs and cot deaths; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Geoffrey FinsbergThe Department has not yet had the opportunity to study the report of the research carried out at Ruhr university. A major multi-centre study into post-neonatal deaths, including cot deaths, has been commissioned by the Department. This study has investigated both the epidemiological and pathological aspects of this problem and a report is expected shortly.