HC Deb 07 June 1996 vol 278 c588W
Mr. Eastham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what measures his Department is pursuing to combat head lice infestation in schools. [31621]

Mr. Horam

The Department launched an information campaign on 22 April. This was ably assisted by the voluntary organisation Community Hygiene Concern—CHC—which provides support and advice to families on dealing with this problem. CHC currently receives grant aid from the Department of £75,000 over three years.

Our campaign leaflet, "The Prevention and Treatment of Head Lice" gives advice to parents and teachers on the options available. The campaign has proved popular with community health professionals, including those in the school health service. In excess of 750,000 leaflets have been distributed.