HC Deb 16 October 2001 vol 372 cc1194-5W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on occupational health in the police force. [5411]

Mr. Denham

The Government are currently working on the development of a national occupational health strategy, locally delivered, for the police service. This will be aimed at reducing sickness absence through improved human resources policy, sickness management and the provision of services. An improved occupational health service will enable forces to bring down the rate of sickness absence, and variations between forces, through supportive measures for officers.