To ask the Secretary of State for Health what surveys she has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into (i) the perception of pregnant women and women with young children of advertising of breast milk substitute and (ii) the ability of consumers to distinguish between infant and follow-on breast milk substitutes. (81528)

The Department commissioned a survey of pregnant women and women with young children in August 2005 to establish whether there was any confusion among consumers relating to advertising of follow-on formula milks.

The results of the survey suggest that there is some confusion among consumers. Of the total respondents surveyed, 39 per cent. stated they had seen infant formula advertising, rather than follow-on formula, which is not allowed under European Union law.