Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what strategy his Department has to tackle Foetal Alcohol Syndrome; and what steps his Department is taking to make pregnant mothers aware of the risks to their unborn child of the consumption of alcohol.

The United Kingdom Chief Medical Officers’ low risk drinking guidelines published in 2016 provide clear advice to women not to drink alcohol if they are planning for a pregnancy or are pregnant.

Public Health England, NHS England and NHS Improvement, and local commissioners continue to raise awareness and provide education on the dangers of drinking alcohol while pregnant; for example, the Greater Manchester Health and Social Care Partnership ‘Drymester’ campaign to raise awareness of drinking alcohol when pregnant.

Midwives and health visitors have a central role in providing clear, consistent advice and early identification and support.