§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to take new measures to(a) increase public awareness of osteoporosis and (b) combat the disease. [21519]
§ Mr. HoramWe are continuing to implement the report of the advisory group on osteoporosis, which was published in January 1995. Work in clinical guidelines is 319W under way, led by the Royal College of Physicians. The Department of Health has increased its financial support for the National Osteoporosis Society, which undertakes a wide range of public and professional education activities and launched a £9 million national exercise campaign on 19 March.
§ Mr. Gordon PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what steps he is taking to increase the resources available in the north-west for the early diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis. [21477]
§ Mr. HoramNationally, health authority general revenue allocations for the financial year 1996–97 will increase by 1.1 per cent. in real terms—£221 million—over 1995–96 allocations. Within these allocations, the provision of local services is a matter for local managers.