HC Deb 25 October 1983 vol 47 c84W
Mr. Ernie Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will obtain and study the results of the research work at Gentofte, Denmark, showing a possible link between breast feeding and juvenile diabetes with a view to use within the Health Service; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. John Patten

It is the Government's policy to promote and encourage breast feeding and the Department's medical advisers maintain close interest in all related scientific studies. The recently reported protective effects of breast feeding against the incidence of juvenile diabetes in Scandinavia have been noted, and data produced by the British collaborators in the Gentofte study are awaited.