§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Health whether he will make a statement of the Government's policy towards fighting AIDS.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyAs we made clear in our response to the seventh report of the Social Services Committee on AIDS, published on 24 November (Cm. 925), the Government remain committed to encouraging effective and responsible action among statutory and voluntary bodies and individuals to stem the spread of HIV; foster research to improve our understanding of AIDS and HIV infection: provide appropriate services for those affected by HIV and encourage a climate of understanding and compassion towards them; and to contribute to the international effort to control HIV and AIDS.