HC Deb 07 August 1980 vol 990 cc278-9W
Mr. Pawsey

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in the light of the recent advertisement for a director general-designate of the Health Education Council at a salary of £ 20,000, who will be appointed for the last 18 months of the tenure of the present director general, resulting in a total expenditure on the concurrent posts of £ 60,000 over 18 months, he will cease further funding to this body, as a contribution to the reduction of public expenditure.

Dr. Vaughan

No. The Health Education Council makes an important contribution to the Government's policy of prevention of disease and promotion of good health. My right hon. Friend is satisfied that the staffing arrangement my hon. Friend mentions will be well justified by the work in this field to be carried out by the present director general, in his office as president of the International Union for Health Education, for the period to 1982, and by his designated successor, whose immediate task will be to develop strategies to give effect to the conclusions reached in my review of the council's work, which is nearing completion.