§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what conclusions have been reached by his Department with respect to the links between asthma and poverty, particularly poor housing. [38311]
§ Mr. SackvilleRisk factors for asthma include: environmental tobacco smoke; maternal smoking; poor fetal nutrition; and modern home environments with central heating, double glazing and reduced ventilation, which may favour increased concentrations of allergens such as house dust mites and moulds. Due to the complex interaction of these factors it is difficult to quantify the effects of any one factor on asthma or to establish causal links between housing conditions and health.
§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health when he last met members of the National Asthma Campaign to discuss air quality reporting and other concerns of the group. [38873]
§ Mr. SackvilleMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has not met members of the National Asthma Campaign. However, on 23 November the Departments of Health and of the Environment are holding a conference on "Asthma: Possible Causes, Successful Management" in association with the NAC and the Institute for Environment and Health at the Queen Elizabeth II conference centre. The conference will be addressed by Ministers of both Departments.