Health: Birth Defects

Baroness Hayman Excerpts

Wednesday 18th December 2013 Lords Chamber

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, I am sure that that evidence will be taken into account when we take the decision, as we hope to do next year.

[Baroness Hayman (CB)]

My Lords, the Minister said that this was not a decision to be taken lightly, and that is absolutely right, but we now have the experience of 50 other countries. We have had scientific evidence on this issue for many years. The fortification of white bread flour is a targeted measure that could significantly reduce the number of pregnancies, not just births, that involve neural tube defects, and thus prevent a great deal of unnecessary and painful suffering. Will the Minister undertake to look at this matter again as a matter of urgency?

[Earl Howe]

My Lords, we are looking at this as a matter of urgency. I recognise what the noble Baroness says about the experience of other countries, but we must make policy in relation to the population of our own country, and that involves weighing up both the potential benefits and the potential downsides of any policy.