§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when her Department first became aware of the possible link between chemicals in cot and baby mattresses and sudden infant death syndrome; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Department first became aware of the hypothesis that certain chemicals in cot and baby mattresses may be connected with sudden infant death syndrome in January 1989.
At that time a working group, chaired by Professor Turner, was asked to consider this hypothesis in detail, data from the scientific literature, and submissions and evidence from interested parties. It concluded that the hypothesis relating SIDS with microbial infestation and gas generation from antimony of phosphorus based additives present in cot furnishings was unfounded.
Dr. Kenneth Calman, the Chief Medical Officer, has set up an expert group to steer further work by the Department on cot deaths.