§ 3. Mr. Pavittasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will establish a new section in his Department for health protection which will consolidate under one administrative head the work at present being undertaken on food and drugs, communicable diseases, epidemiology and nutrition.
§ Mr. AlisonNo, Sir. I do not think it would be advantageous to group together all the different subjects mentioned by the hon. Member, and it would certainly not be practicable for one division to cover all aspects of health protection.
§ Mr. PavittIf the Department cannot accept that grouping, will the hon. Gentleman have another look at what is going on in Canada which has established a health protection committee? Will the hon. Gentleman undertake to make a continuing survey of these matters because although, we in the House always talk about preventing illness, it must be appreciated that there is little that either side has ever been able to do about it?
§ Mr. AlisonI shall study the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question and, if the need arises, I shall write to him further.