HC Deb 30 June 1975 vol 894 cc277-8W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if she is satisfied with the proportion of expenditure on the health and social services which is spent on preventive work; what plans she has to increase this proportion in the next five years; and if she will make a statement.

Dr. Owen

Prevention is an integral part of a wide range of services provided within the health services and as such is not readily quantifiable in financial terms. A great deal of preventive work and associated research is already being carried out. However, for both humanitarian and economic reasons the Government are anxious that where practicable greater priority should be given to the development of preventive services and with this in view we intend to issue a consultative document on preventive medicine at the end of this year or at the beginning of 1976. We hope that by provoking constructive discussion throughout the health services and among members of the public interested in health matters and by drawing attention to those areas of preventive medicine where increased invest-

of cast gold crowns, anterior tooth crowns, full dentures and anterior tooth fillings provided, under the National Health Service, in 1968, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1974, respectively.

Dr. Owen

Following is the information:

ment in the broadest sense might appear most rewarding, this document will stimulate a greater awareness of the possibilities for developing preventive services and will lead to the strengthening of these services as resources permit.

On the side of the local authority personal social services, prevention is a main aim of much of the relevant legislation, and the resources allocated to it are again not separately identifiable. Current and likely future financial constraints mean inevitably, however, that local authorities must concentrate much of their effort on dealing with acute and immediate need. This is not ideal, but until resources improve the development of specifically preventive services and new initiatives is bound to be limited by the pressure of current needs.