§ Ms KinghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions she has had with manufacturers of sun protection products, as part of the campaign to prevent skin cancer, on the prices charged for these products. [121520]
§ Yvette CooperThe pricing of sunscreens is a matter for manufacturers to decide and the Government have no direct influence in the price setting process for these items, which are a commercial product. We would encourage manufacturers and retailers to ensure that sunscreens are affordable for all. In May 1998, my hon. Friend the then Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Competition and Consumer Affairs (Mr. Griffiths) wrote to the Perfumery and Toiletries Association pointing out that sunscreens should not be regarded as a fashion product. We recommend the use of sunscreens as a back-up measure to other sun protection measures such as wearing protective clothing and staying in the shade in the midday sun.