Submitted by: Science and Technology Policy Committee

The National Council of Women, is concerned at the increasing number of children with disabling illnesses, including asthma, autism spectrum, deafness, diabetes, foetal alcohol syndrome, hyperactivity and obesity, and aware of the difficulties and suffering these may cause to both the children and their families, urges Her Majesty’s Government to:(a) ensure that all relevant government departments and research organisations co-operate and co-ordinate the work being done; (b) ensure adequate financial support so as not to be dependent on charity funding to (i) research the root cause of the increasing numbers, (ii) develop intervention techniques to alleviate the symptoms, and (iii) achieve a better understanding of the immune system of children; (c) formulate and implement preventative programmes; and (d) regularly review research findings and up-date policy and programmes.