§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how much he intends to spend over the next three years on curbing the spread of infection of AIDS; and how much he expects to spend thereafter on the care of people with this disease.
§ Mr. NewtonWe attach the highest priority to measures to stop the spread of HIV infection. This is the purpose of the public education campaign; the public health measures which have been taken; and why all health authorities have been asked to draw up plans for local action on AIDS and HIV. In 1988–89 the Government have allocated £10 million for further development of AIDS public education, including maintaining the national AIDS helpline. We have earmarked £58.6 million in 1988–89 to help develop preventive, counselling and diagnostic services and to make a contribution towards the cost of care and treatment in hospitals and the community.
In addition we expect to continue to provide support for voluntary agencies such as the Terrence Higgins Trust which carry out educational and counselling activities aimed at preventing the further spread of HIV infection.
Firm spending plans beyond 1988–89 will be decided following the forthcoming public expenditure survey.