Petition for free sunscreen for children prompts Assembly inquiry

9 February 2012

A petition calling for all children under the age of 11 in Wales to be provided with free sunscreen will be examined as part of a new inquiry by the National Assembly for Wales’s Children and Young People Committee.

The Committee will focus not only on the availability and use of sunscreen, but also other sun protection initiatives such as the provision of shades in schools and the wearing of suitable clothing whilst outdoors.

The petition, submitted by the charity Tenovus, was supported by over 9,000 signatories and was referred to the Children and Young People Committee by the Petitions Committee.

“There is plenty of research telling us that exposure to UV radiation is the leading cause of skin cancer,” said Christine Chapman AM, Chair of the Children and Young People Committee.

“Among the questions we will be asking as part of this inquiry is whether current sun protection policies and guidelines are effective in providing sufficient sun protection for children, and if not, where improvements are required.

“We will also look at whether there is sufficient awareness of the current sun protection policies and guidelines, and, if not, how best to raise awareness.”

“I would ask anyone who has a view on this issue to contact us with their opinions or suggestions.”

Anyone wishing to submit evidence for consideration by the Committee can either email CYPCommittee@wales.gov.uk or, alternatively, write to:
Clerk to the Children and Young People Committee,
National Assembly for Wales,
Cardiff Bay,
Cardiff, CF99 1NA.

Submissions of evidence should be received by 9 March, 2012. It may not be possible to take into account responses received after that date.