HC Deb 11 December 2003 vol 415 cc594-5W
Ann Winterton

To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) what risk assessment his Department has conducted on depleted sodium levels in elderly people during hot weather conditions; [141465]

(2) what advice his Department has issued to elderly people on salt consumption during hot weather conditions. [141466]

Miss Melanie Johnson

The Department has not conducted any risk assessment on depleted sodium levels or issued any specific advice on salt consumption to older people during hot weather conditions.

There is insufficient evidence to suggest that elderly people should modify their normal salt consumption during hot weather conditions. It is, however, important to maintain an adequate fluid intake.