§ 5. Mr. Ray Powellasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy on health education in Wales in the light of the document, "The Health Divide," a copy of which has been sent to him; and if he will make a statement.
§ Dr. Marekasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his policy towards reducing inequalities in the health of the people of Wales in the light of the report "The Health Divide," a copy of which has been forwarded to him.
§ Mr. Mark RobinsonMy right hon. Friend's policies are aimed at improving the health of all the people in Wales. We have increased total cash resources available to health authorities in Wales in the current year by 7.9 per cent.; revenue provision to health authorities in Wales has increased by 33 per cent. in real terms since 1979; and we have invested £495 million in the capital estate since 1979; the number of staff directly concerned with patient care is up 13.5 per cent. since 1979 and tens of thousands more patients are being cared for in Wales today than was possible in 1979.