HC Deb 17 November 1986 vol 105 cc297-8
6. Mr. Gareth Wardell

asked the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he plans to take in Wales to implement Government proposals concerning acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

Mr. Mark Robinson

In September my right hon. Friend announced support for the establishment of the Welsh AIDS campaign. In addition, we are participating fully in the national advertising campaign, including the delivery of a leaflet to every home, and will be fully involved in further Government action.

Mr. Wardell

Why have the Government dallied and dithered over what to do about this difficult problem? The debate nationally has centred on looking for scapegoats. First, the fault was seen to lie with black people in Africa, and it then moved to homosexuals. Can the Minister give the House an assurance that the Government's campaign will not be directed at young people so that they will be seen as the scapegoats? Instead, will the Government ensure that the campaign is directed at everyone and not any particular group in the community?

Mr. Robinson

The Government's campaign will be directed specifically at those who are most vulnerable.