§ Ms. HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will make a statement about the health risk in baby food;
(2) when he was first warned of the health risk in baby food;
(3) whether he has obtained the advice of the chief medical officer about the health risk in baby food;
(4) whether he plans to issue any advice to baby food manufacturers about continuing sale of baby food;
(5) whether he plans to issue any advice to parents about the health risks in baby food;
(6) whether he plans to issue any advice to health workers about the risks in baby food.
§ Mr. FreemanWe first became aware of particles of glass being found in jars of baby food in March 1989, when the manufacturers arranged withdrawal of the batch 103W concerned and advised the Department. Since then, as my hon. Friend said on 26 April at column 949, there have been growing numbers of reports which have been recognised as deliberate contamination and this is the subject of police inquiries. The Department on 28 April endorsed common-sense advice to the public which, if followed, should remove any risk. This advice is being passed also to the National Health Service and to chief environmental health officers of local authorities. The question of continuing the sale of these products is for the manufacturers in consultation with the police.