HC Deb 27 November 1984 vol 68 cc465-6W
54. Mr. Nicholls

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what steps his Department is taking to investigate the causes of cot deaths.

Mr. John Patten

The Department is expecting shortly the report of a major multicentre study of post-natal mortality, that it has been funding over the last seven years, which may throw some light on our understanding of cot deaths. We shall be considering carefully the implications of its findings, and the outcome of a seminar to be held on this subject in the new year, with regard to both the need for further basic research into this subject and the delivery of relevant health services.