§ Mr. Dormandasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will circularise local authorities encouraging them to increase the number of health education officers in their employ.
§ Sir K. JosephBecause the Government propose that as part of the reorganisation of the Health Service the health education functions of local health authorities should pass to the new National Health Service authorities on 1st April, 1974, I would not consider it appropriate to issue guidance to local authorities on this matter now. A document on health education will shortly be sent to a number of interested professional and local authority organisations, and I will send the hon. Member a copy.