Tonge: "Alarming Rise In Rickets"

4.43.20pm GMT Wed 5th Nov 2003

Dr Jenny Tonge, Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park, raised the important topic of rickets during Health Questions in the House of Commons on Tuesday November 4th.

Dr Tonge asked the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health, Dr Stephen Ladyman: "Is the Minister aware of alarming reports from the medical profession about an increase in rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency? What plans, strategies or programmes exist for investigation of this serious matter? Has the Minister,for instance, any plans to legislate for compulsory cod liver oil?

The Minister said he felt the inclusion of such a plan in a Liberal Democrat manifesto would win his own party more votes. But he conceded it was an important point and assured Dr Tonge the evidence would be fed into the process of ensuring children of school age ate a healthy and balanced diet.