§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to ensure that the preventive services and health education are given a high degree of priority within the Health Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe prevention of ill health and the promotion of good health are among the Government's prime objectives and every opportunity is taken to encourage the NHS to develop these aspects of its services. The Health Education Council, with the Government's encouragement and support, is giving priority to increasing health authorities' awareness and stimulating developments in these fields.
§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much has been allocated to the health preventive services and for health education in the current financial year; and how this compares with the figure for each of the last five years at constant prices.
§ Mr. John PattenThe allocation of funds to the Health Education Council for the current year and the preceding five years was as follows:
Year £ million 1978–79 3.7 1979–80 4.5 1980–81 5.0 1981–82 6.6 1982–83 8.6 1983–84 8.8 The 1983–84 allocation represents an increase of 45.1 per cent. in real terms as compared with 1978–79.
Information on health education and preventive expenditure by local health service and education authorities is not available centrally.