§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what publicity arrangements he has made to inform people of the protection afforded by, and to advise on the proper use of, a safe spermicide combined with condoms as a protection against AIDS; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe AIDS public education campaign has adopted a broad-based strategy which offers people clear health educational advice on which to base informed decisions about their sexual behaviour. This includes advice that the use of condoms can reduce the risk of infection with HIV. Clinical studies do not show that spermicides confer additional protection against HIV infection.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what publicity arrangements he has made to inform people of the relative safety of water-based and oil-based lubricants in terms of contraception and as a protection against AIDS; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe AIDS public education campaign has, since inception, advocated that where lubricants are used with condoms they should be water-based, and warned that oil-based lubricants may damage or weaken rubber condoms. This advice has been given in leaflets and press advertisements since 1986.