HC Deb 25 March 1986 vol 94 c772
4. Mr. Dormand

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what further action he proposes to take on the report "The Recruitment, Training and Development of Health Education Officers".

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Ray Whitney)

The report was reconsidered last year under the aegis of the National Health Service Training Authority, and new arrangements to oversee the training of health education officers are now being examined by the authority, the Health Education Council and the Department.

Mr. Dormand

I recognise the fine work that is done by the Health Education Council, but does the Minister agree that health education officers play a crucial role? Will the Minister clarify what he said? Does he mean that the Kirby committee will be reconvened? If not, will he consider reconvening that committee, because so much remains to be done with regard to the recruitment, training and development of health education officers? I hope that that will be done soon.

Mr. Whitney

I am happy to reaffirm that the Department recognises the necessary role of health education officers. I assure the hon. Gentleman that progress to improve the training of these officers is going apace.

Mr. Kennedy

I am an ashamed smoker who is still trying to give up, but failing abysmally. In view of the announcements that were made yesterday by the Department about the extra action to be taken against the promotion of cigarette smoking, I put it to the Minister that the balance between the funds that the Health Education Council enjoys and the amounts that the tobacco companies can spend on advertising should be substantially redressed. If that is not done the Department's action will be no more than a cosmetic exercise. Will the Minister take steps to redress that balance?

Mr. Whitney

Our record on reducing smoking is good. This subject will be covered by later questions on the Order Paper.

Mr. Key

Does my hon. Friend agree that the role of the Health Education Council must extend into areas of drug and substance abuse? Action should start with young children of primary school age. Does he accept that it is time we stopped the idea that by telling people about drugs we shall enhance their interest in them? Finally, does my hon. Friend agree that we must achieve a completely different attitude in young people from primary school age?

Mr. Whitney

Both the Health Education Council and the Department are active in this area. I commend to my hon. Friend the excellent videos, for use in schools, which we released some weeks ago.