HC Deb 06 February 1991 vol 185 c190W
Dr. Moonie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the subject of the new Health Education Board.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

The Health Education Board for Scotland, which will replace the Scottish health education group, will come into operation on 1 April 1991. It will be the national centre for health education, expertise and information and will undertake campaigns at a national level, with particular reference to the priority areas of coronary heart disease, cancer, smoking, AIDS, drug misuse, alcohol misuse and accidents set out in the consultation document "Health Education in Scotland: A National Policy Statement". The additional funds I am making available will give the new board a budget of £5.1 million in 1991–92.

I am pleased to be able to announce that the following persons have accepted the Secretary of State's invitation to serve as members of the new board under the chairmanship of Mr. Ernie Walker, OBE:

  • Mr. David Campbell, Chairman, West Independent Newspapers Ltd;
  • Mr. John Christie, Assistant Director of Education, Tayside Regional Council;
  • Miss Wilma Craigmile, MBE, formerly Director of Nursing Services, Tayside Health Board;
  • Professor Charles Forbes, Professor of Medicine, University of Dundee;
  • Dr. Nancy Loudon, Vice-President, Family Planning Association;
  • Professor Doreen Parry, Professor of Dietetics and Nutrition, Queen Margaret College, Edinburgh;

Mr. Jimmy Reid, journalist and broadcaster:

  • Professor Rex Taylor, Professor of Social Administration and Social Work, University of Glasgow;
  • Mr. Raymond Watkins, Chief Administrative Dental Officer, Forth Valley Health Board;
  • Mr. David Woods, Managing Director, Scottish Provident Institution.

In addition, the general manager of the board, when appointed, will become an executive member.

The board will have a vital role in tackling Scotland's health problems. I am confident that its work will be greatly facilitated by the wide range of interests, expertise and skills which the chairman and members will bring to bear.