Written question asked by Oliver Letwin (Conservative) on Thursday, 16 November 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 23 November 2000. It was answered by Baroness Stuart of Edgbaston (Labour) on Thursday, 23 November 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, if he has made an assessment of the research conducted worldwide into foetal abnormality syndrome and its connection with the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. - (Holding answer 21 November 2000).

Answer: Mr. Letwin: To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has made an assessment of the research conducted worldwide into foetal abnormality syndrome and its connection with the consumption of alcohol during pregnancy. [139404] Ms Stuart: [holding answer 21 November 2000]: I understand research indicates that although maternal age, parity, and health as well as specific foetal susceptibility may contribute to the outcome for an infant whose mother drinks alcohol while pregnant, the potential for harm to the foetus is much stronger with large amounts of maternal alcohol consumption than with smaller amounts. My Department's advice therefore centres on it being better not to drink alcohol during pregnancy, suggests strategies to avoid alcohol consumption and advises that if alcohol is consumed that it be restricted to no more than two units (equivalent to one pint of ordinary beer) once or twice a week.

Secondary information