§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement about the implications of the new general practitioner contract for preventive care against coronary disease.
§ Mr. Needham[holding answer 13 November 1989]: The Government attach great inportance to the promotion of good health and prevention of ill health such as coronary heart disease. Patients will be offered more advice on how to avoid illness and simple checks on, for example, blood pressure will be available routinely as a result of the new contract for general medical practitioners which places greater emphasis on these aspects of health care. Family doctors will also be encouraged through the new remuneration system to provide clinics on the prevention of heart disease, smoking cessation, alcohol control and stress management.