FOLIC ACID AND SPINA BIFIDA PREGNANCIES

Early day motion 265, tabled 13 January 2000 by Helen Clark (Labour). Signed by 44 members.

That this House welcomes the long-awaited publication of the Report by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food and Nutrition on Folic Acid and the Prevention of Disease; congratulates the Association for Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus on its sustained campaign; recognises that COMA's recommendation of a fortification of 240 microgrammes of folic acid in every 100 grammes of flour would reduce the incidence of spina bifida pregnancies by 41 per cent.; but draws attention to the lengthy delay already experienced; and calls on the Public Health Minister to ensure that the forthcoming consultation period is as short, and the eventual fortification level as high, as is consistent with the health of the population in general, whilst being of maximum benefit to the 50 per cent. of women whose pregnancies are unplanned.

Signatures by party: Labour 31, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 2, Labour/Co-operative 2, Plaid Cymru 2.