Public Health (Hansard, 23 April 1998)

§ Mr. Dafis
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he intends to introduce health action zones in Wales. [38365]

§ Mr. Win Griffiths
I refer the hon. Gentleman to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Cynon Valley (Ann Clwyd), on 22 April 1998,Official Report, column 806.

§ Mr. Dafis
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the link between poverty and ill health in Wales. [38367]

§ Mr. Win Griffiths
The Chief Medical Officer's 1996 Annual Report examined the links between Health, Work and the Economy (Chapter 5). Overall, the report concluded that the excess of people who are economically inactive in Wales is due, firstly to a higher prevalence of limiting long-term illness, and secondly to a higher proportion of the long-term ill not working. There is evidence to suggest a correlation between poor living and working conditions and illness and disease. For example, the Welsh Health Survey (1995) found that people doing unskilled work have higher than average levels of heart disease, respiratory disease, mental illness, arthritis and pain.

§ Mr. Dafis
To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what assessment he has made of the advantages to the health of the people in Wales of a closer working relationship between health services and social services. [38366]

§ Mr. Win Griffiths
Effective joint working between health services and social services is essential if vulnerable people are to receive high quality care which meets their needs and provides good value for money.
The recent Audit Commission report 'Coming of Age' demonstrated that improved joint planning and investment by health and local authorities is needed. The Welsh 692W Office has therefore issued guidance seeking better collaboration at a local level to improve the quality and range of services provided for vulnerable and older people. I have agreed a programme of follow up action to support this process and ensure that priority is given to securing strategic operational change in this vital area. There is a clear agenda for health and local authorities to address together which will have significant benefits when fully implemented.