HC Deb 07 April 1982 vol 21 cc408-9W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance his Department gives to general practitioners, health visitors and community nurses about food and health policy.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

In 1978 the Department published "Eating for Health"; one of the series of discussion papers flowing from publication of the "Prevention consultative document and Health—Everybody's Business". "Eating for Health" was prepared as a contribution to nutrition education for the general public and as information for doctors, health visitors, nurses and other health professionals who are in a position to influence attitudes to diet. It is also a source document for the Health Education Council.

The Department also frequently produces reports on more detailed aspects of nutrition. These results from the deliberations of the Committee on Medical aspects of Food Policy—a body which advises the Chief Medical Officer on matters concerned with nutrition and public health.