§ 38. Mr. Andrew MitchellTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what plans he has for promoting preventive medicine in Scotland.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythThe importance the Government attach to preventive medicine was reflected in our White Paper "Promoting Better Health"—Cmnd 249—published in November 1987. This stressed the need to shift the emphasis in primary care from the treatment of illness to the promotion of health and the prevention of disease. The new GP contract, which was introduced in April 1990, furthered this approach by actively encouraging immunisation and screening programmes and the provision of health promotion clinics. The benefits are already apparent and the attainment of targets has been impressive.
A related review of health education in Scotland which I commissioned in 1989 culminated on 25 March this year when I published the document "Health Education in Scotland: A National Policy Statement", copies of which have been placed in the Library. This statement reflects the importance which the Government place on the promotion of good health and identifies priorities and sets targets for the improvement of health in Scotland. It also describes the role of the new Health Education Board for Scotland and sets out the framework within which it will work together with health boards, local authorities, voluntary organisations, employers, the media and individuals, to secure the health improvements we seek. In addition, I expect to take further initiatives which will be announced in due course.