§ 39. Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on his policy towards reducing health inequalities in different geographical areas.
§ Mr. FreemanThe principles advanced in the report "Public Health in England" of a greater commitment to improving public health, have been accepted. Last December, guidance was issued to health authorities about their responsibilities to improve the health of their populations, including prevention, surveillance and control of communicable disease. The Government seek to maintain the general improvements in the health of the nation and resources available next year will be equivalent to a cash increase of £2 billion which is 5 per cent. in real terms.