§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that there are adequate preventive measures to protect people from avoidable disabilities; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Patrick JenkinI attach great importance to the prevention of physical and mental ill-health, and health authorities were asked in "Care In Action", the handbook of policies and priorities for the health and personal social services in England which we published in February, to give high priority to work in this area. The handbook proposes a number of measures for a local strategy of health promotion and prevention, including improving the availability of genetic counselling, the encouragement of early and regular attendance for antenatal care and appropriate screening, and screening for disabilities in young children. Health Ministers at the DHSS have also made it clear that they will support legislation to make the wearing of seat belts in cars compulsory.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he has taken to promote public awareness of the problems of disabled people and their right to equality.
§ Mr. RossiMy colleagues and I are taking all available opportunities, in speeches, interviews and meetings, to 219W promote public awareness of the problems and the abilities of disabled people. In addition, the Department is providing substantial funds for the secretariat of the International Year of Disabled People, Voluntary Organisations Committee which is producing excellent publicity material which is being circulated widely. The department itself provides the secretariat for the Committee on Restrictions Against Disabled People.