Parents of 50 children with coeliac disease were questioned about their knowledge of the disorder and the child's dietary compliance. Twenty of 50 parents admitted that compliance was less than strict. This correlated with poor knowledge of the disease which in turn was related to the family's social status. Membership of the Coeliac Society (23 of 50) correlated with both parental understanding and dietary compliance. Greater emphasis on dietary compliance and education of parents and patients is required.