§ Mr. Battleasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what consultations have taken place with the British Medical Association about the advertising of breast milk substitutes; what was the outcome; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what plans are there to bring the United Kingdom voluntary code on breast milk substitutes into line with the World Health Organisation's code, "WHO International Code of Marketing of Breast Milk Substitutes"; and if he will make a statement;
(3) what are the enforcement responsibilities of the United Kingdom code monitoring committee with regard to breast milk substitutes; and if he will make a statement;
(4) what guidelines exist on advertising of breast milk substitutes; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe aim and principles of the World Health Organisation code as far as infant formulae are concerned are secured in the United Kingdom by the Food Manufacturers Federation's code, which includes advertising guidelines, the health Circular HC(83)13 and the FMF monitoring committee. We understand the committee is currently preparing a report for Government and when it is received we shall consider whether changes to the present arrangements are necessary. The relevant BMA committees were consulted before the present arrangements were established.