§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) whether he will take steps to develop an education programme promoting the consumption of whole milk, with particular reference to infants and children up to the age of five years of age; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy towards the role of milk and dairy products in achieving a healthy and balanced diet;
(3) what assessment his Department makes, and what expert advice he receives from outside his Department, concerning the nutriousness and palatibility of milk and dairy products and as to their role within a healthy and varied diet.
§ Mrs. CurrieWe look to the Chief Medical Officer's Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy (COMA) for advice about food and health. Earlier this year the COMA panel on child nutrition published advice to health 703W professionals recommending the use of whole cows' milk for children under five. We also plan to produce a health education booklet of guidance to health professionals based upon the forthcoming COMA report, "Present-Day Practice in Infant Feeding". In general we consider milk and dairy products a valuable part of the diet of infants and children under five years of age and as contributing to a balanced diet for adults.