§ Miss LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what information she has received from the health districts which are running evaluation projects looking at the provision of counselling and condoms on a starter basis by general practices; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mr. SackvilleSince 1992 the Department has suggested that health authorities consider developing the role of general practitioners in safer sexual counselling and the provision of information and condoms on a "starter" 977W basis. Results from these projects are generally favourable. In particular, offering sexual health advice during family planning and smear test consultations is an efficient and effective way of reaching sexually active women. On the basis of their own evaluation, some regions have decided to expand their schemes to include more GP practices. It is, however, a matter for health authorities how they choose to develop the initiative.