§ Mr. ButlerTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make it his policy to promote the consumption of the fish oils containing docosohexaenoic and eicosapentaenoic acids in the prevention of coronary disease; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieWe have no plans to do so. The Government are concerned that people should eat healthy, balanced diets, which can be done without promoting the consumption of any particular food or food component.
Maxepa capsules and liquid, which contain eicosopentaenoic acid and docosohexaenoic acid, are available for prescription under the National Health Service, but their licensed indication is
the reduction of plasma triglycerides in patients with severe hypertriglyceridaemia, and who are judged to be at special risk of ischaemic heart disease and/or pancreatis".They are not licensed for general use in the prevention of coronary heart disease.