§ Mr. Kevin HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how the strategy for implementing "The Health of the Nation" is going to take into account the needs of people from black and ethnic minority groups.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe White Paper "The Health of the Nation" (Cm. 1986) and the supporting key area handbooks, copies of which are available in the Library, identify particular health needs of people from black and ethnic minorities and indicate that health authorities and others must concentrate efforts on such needs if the White Paper's targets are to be achieved. I refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State gave my hon. Friend the Member for Bury, South (Mr. Sumberg) on 23 March at column589,which stated that we have set up a task force to examine and recommend action at all levels in the Department, and in the national health service to ensure the application of current best practice in the provision of health services for black and ethnic minorities.