HC Deb 16 November 1982 vol 32 cc134-5W
Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department intends to publish any response to the recommendations of the charter for the 1980s for disabled people world-wide; and what action he is taking with regard to those recommendations which affect his Department's responsibilities.

Mr. Rossi

When she was presented with the charter for the 1980s last November, the Prime Minister gave the Government's support to its aims. Many of the recommendations of the charter reflect what already happens in this country. The Department will continue to take the remainder into account in its development of policies for disabled people. Plans for this are contained in the booklet "IYDP and After-the UK Response".

Mr. Alfred Morris

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) further to the Government's welcome for the charter for the 1980s for disabled people worldwide, what spending has been approved by his Department on programmes for the prevention of disability caused by infectious diseases, malnutrition, accidents at home, at work and in transit and during pregnancy and childbirth; what detailed comparisons have been made between the costs of prevention and the costs to the nation of preventable disability; and if he will make a statement;

(2) what recent action his Department has taken to prevent, through education, disability caused by infectious diseases, malnutrition and accidents at home, at work and in transit; whether he is satisfied that enough is being done by his Department in this regard; and what plans he has to increase its contribution to the prevention of disability.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

I refer the right hon. Gentleman to the reply given to him by my hon. Friend the Member for Reading, South (Dr. Vaughan) on 12 November 1981.—[Vol. 12, c.171.] The Department has followed up the priority given to prevention in "Care in Action" in a number of ways.

In addition, the Health Education Council has been allocated an extra £2 million for 1982–83, making its total current cash allocation £8.6 million. This is enabling the council to expand and intensify its activities, which include the prevention of disability.