HC Deb 22 July 1985 vol 83 c408W
Mr. Dykes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he has received the results of the studies into the incidence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia conducted at Leeds and Edinburgh universities; and what guidance his Department issues about encouraging better balanced dietary behaviour to avoid these conditions;

(2) when he expects to make a substantive reply to the question of the hon. Member for Harrow, East about the results of studies into the incidence of anorexia nervosa and bulimia conducted at Leeds and Edinburgh universities and guidance by his Department about encouraging better-balanced dietary behaviour to avoid these conditions.

Mr. John Patten

[pursuant to his reply, 1 July 1985, c. 55]: I am not sure which of the various studies of these conditions my hon. Friend has in mind. He may wish to let me have details. We have taken steps to encourage sensible eating habits, through the Health Education Council and by other means, and we are happy to consider any proposals for steps to prevent anorexia nervosa and bulimia—morbid conditions in which sufferers find themselves unable to eat sensibly.