Environment Policy (Hansard, 8 November 1989)

§ Ms. Harman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) if he will allocate funds for implementing an environment policy for the National Health Service;
(2) if he will draw up an environment policy for the National Health Service.

§ Mr. Freeman
It is for health authorities to decide on their overall environmental policies and the allocation of associated resources.
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§ Ms. Harman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will include as items for the regional review by Ministers(a) any adverse impact of health authority practices on the environment and (b) any adverse impact of environmental factors on public health within the region.

§ Mr. Freeman
This year public health issues were discussed with each region in preparation for regional reviews, which are now normally conducted by the chief executive of the management executive. Where there are serious concerns about these or other specific areas, they are raised at the review itself. Management action is taken in relation to the impact of health authority practices on the environment as they arise.

§ Ms. Harman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will issue guidance banning the use by health authorities of products proven to be environmentally damaging where an alternative is available.

§ Mr. Freeman
No. We consider that, as responsible public bodies, health authorities should be able to take account of all relevant factors, including environmental factors and statutory requirements, in securing best value for money in their purchasing policies.

§ Ms. Harman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will list those health authorities which have regular planning and consultative meetings with local authority environmental health officers; and what exchange of information there is between them.

§ Mr. Freeman
I regret that this information is not collected centrally.

§ Ms. Harman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement about health authorities as(a) consumers, (b) waste producers and (c) polluters.

§ Mr. Freeman
It is for health authorities to ensure that they perform their duties effectively, efficiently and responsibly with due regard to the effects on the environment.

§ Ms. Harman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will require health authorities to monitor progress on their environment policies and practice and report to him.

§ Mr. Freeman
The Department already monitors a number of key aspects of health authorities' environmental policies and practices and will continue to do so.

§ Ms. Harman
To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether there is an environmental component in the training and qualification of(a) nurses, (b) doctors, (c) radiographers, (d) hospital administrators and (e) health visitors.

§ Mrs. Virginia Bottomley
The information requested is as follows:

(a) Nurses and health visitors: The standard and content of training for nurses and health visitors is determined by the United Kingdom Central Council for Nursing, Midwifery and Health Visiting.

(b) Doctors: The General Medical Council recommend the curriculum for undergraduate medical students.

(c) Radiographers: The Council for the Professions Supplementary to Medicine through its Radiography Board, is responsible for regulating the professional education of radiographers.
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(d) Hospital Administrators: Health authorities and the National Health Service Training Authority are responsible for the standard and content of training for hospital administrators.