§ Mr. leuan Wyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what encouragement has been given by her Department to general practitioners to address the mental, dietary and lifestyle pressures upon people who are out of work; and if she will make available pump-priming moneys to assist general practitioners to develop programmes to assist unemployed people.
§ Mr. SackvilleWe have not introduced any initiatives specific to unemployed people. However, some 90 per cent. of general practitioners are now taking part in health promotion programmes for the prevention of coronary heart disease and stroke, as part of new arrangements under the GP contract introduced on 1 July this year. Practices will identify the groups within their local population who they consider may be at higher risk, and will offer them help in adopting a more healthy lifestyle.