§ Ms HarmanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the relationship between income during pregnancy and a child's(a) health in early years and (b) long-term health prospects. [61735]
§ Ms JowellThe recent independent inquiry into inequalities in health, chaired by Sir Donald Acheson, examined, among other things, inequalities in women of childbearing age, expectant mothers and young children. More generally, the inquiry report drew attention to improvements in health and life expectancy associated with income and living standards.
We are firmly committed to improving the living standards of the poorest households and are already taking a number of measures that will help to achieve this. We shall be considering Sir Donald's recommendations as a whole in the development of our new health strategy, about which we shall publish a White Paper early next year.