HC Deb 25 July 1978 vol 954 cc699-700W
Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what Health Education Council materials and literature are available in the Welsh language; and in what language other than English, if any, the Council produces its literature.

Mr. Moyle

Officers of the council have recently been engaged in discussions with the Welsh Office about the need for health education literature in the Welsh language, and the council has undertaken to publish bilingual versions of its materials in certain priority areas. The first two items, on food hygiene and parent education respectively, will be published during September of this year and further material is planned to follow as soon as possible. The council's other non-English language material at present consists of a multilingual poster for food trade workers on which Welsh is included; a series of leaflets on food hygiene in five Asian languages; and a newly published medical phrasebook containing French, German, Spanish, Italian, Urdu, Punjabi and Gujerati, in addition to English.

Mr. Wigley

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many visits have been made by the medical staff of the Health Education Council to Wales during the last two years; particularly how many visits have been made to the counties of Gwynedd, Clwyd and Powys, respectively; and what plans the Council has to expand its educative role in Wales.

Mr. Moyle

One such visit was made during the last two years, when the Health Education Council was, however, without medical staff for a substantial part of the time. The council's liaison staff visited Wales on ten occasions during this period, including one visit to Gwynedd, one to Clwyd and two to Powys. Visits were also made by the council's chairman, Sir George Godber. The council is expanding its educational activities in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, taking into account the particular needs of each country. Later this year, visits to Wales will be made by the council's chief medical officer and its general practice working group.