Written question asked by Ann Clwyd (Labour) on Wednesday, 7 June 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 12 June 2000. It was answered by John Denham (Labour) on Monday, 12 June 2000 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what action has been taken by his Department through the Advertising Standards Authority implant procedure, stating the possible health and safety implications of breast implants.

Answer: Ann Clwyd: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action has been taken by his Department through the Advertising Standards Authority implant procedure, stating the possible health and safety implications of breast implants. [125470] Mr. Denham: Our response to the Health Committee's Fifth Report on the regulation of private and other independent healthcare (Command 4540) made it clear that the powers given in the 1988 Control of Misleading Advertisements Regulations are adequate to control advertising. We were however concerned to ensure that the information patients receive in the independent sector is of an acceptable standard. We are addressing this in two ways. We will soon be publishing a Department of Health information leaflet for women considering breast implants. In addition, the Care Standards Bill, as drafted, will allow us to introduce regulations covering standards of information given to patients in the independent sector.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 125470; 351 c478-9W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Advertising Health hazards Information Leaflets Private sector Misleading advertising Plastic surgery Department of Health Breasts
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk