§ 12. Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the effectiveness of health education as undertaken by local authorities, the Government and the Health Education Council.
§ Sir George YoungWith a view to increasing effectiveness, we have reviewed the work of the Health Education Council, sustained its funding, and given a strong push to health education in our guidance to health authorities "Care in Action".
§ Mr. DormandIs the hon. Gentleman aware that, in spite of the splendid work being done by the Health Education Council and local authorities, health education is still making insufficient impact on the public? Will he confirm that health education has an important role to play, not least in long-term savings to the National Health Service? Will the Government give much more moral and financial support to the splendid work that is being done by these bodies?
§ Sir George YoungI entirely agree with the sentiments expressed by the hon. Member. For that reason, we have increased the funding to the Health Education Council to £6.5 million this year compared with £5.1 million last year. We have given guidance to local authorities and Health Service authorities to the effect that they should have a higher profile on health education. I accept what the hon. Gentleman says. It is sometimes a difficult message to convey and calls for skills in the medical profession and amongst others in the Health Service that are different from traditional curative medicine.
§ Mr. PavittWill the Minister's Department examine the possibilities which are wide open because of video and television and co-ordinate the work of the Health Education Council and the television authorities in the use of video in schools to instruct youngsters in health care?
§ Sir George YoungWe shall pursue that matter. I believe that it is right to say that the television authorities already play a significant role in health education in their programmes for schools and in their general programmes.