§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) what research he has commissioned into the causes, epidemiology and cure of cot deaths in Scotland;
(2) what research he has commissioned in Scotland on cot death syndrome.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythA variety of relevant research projects has been supported by the Scottish Office Home and Health Department throughout the 1980s at a cost of £230,000. In addition the Scottish Hospital Endowments Research trust has provided funding of £15,000 for one project.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what study he has made of New Zealand research into cot deaths and of the methods used in New Zealand to reduce the incidence of cot death.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythAn expert group set up by the Chief Medical Officer for England and Wales has considered the New Zealand research along with other recent studies of cot death. Its recommendations were announced on 31 October 1991. The chief medical officer and the chief nursing officer in my Department will be writing to all doctors and other professionals in Scotland drawing attention to these recommendations.
§ Mr. Austin MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what advice is issued by his Department on the way in which young babies should be laid to sleep to avoid cot death.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythNo specific guidance on the sleeping position of infants has been issued in Scotland. However, I am aware of recent expert advice that avoiding the prone sleeping position when laying a baby to sleep reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome and will ensure that this information, and advice on other associated factors, is widely publicised.