§ Mr. Ernie RossTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland when the Green Paper on improving Scotland's health will be published; and if he will make a statement. [28494]
§ Mr. DewarThe Green Paper, "Working Together For A Healthier Scotland", is published today. Copies have been laid before the House and are available in the Library of the House and the Vote Office.
The Green Paper seeks views on a range of proposals for improving health in Scotland, in a way which recognises the relationship with poverty, poor housing, unemployment and the environment as well as the importance of healthy lifestyles in addressing Scotland's major health problems such as coronary heart disease and cancer. Particular emphasis is placed on the need for a concerted approach across Government and involving local authorities and other bodies whose policies impact on health.
The Green Paper will be widely distributed and comments are invited by 30 April 1998, with a view to the publication of a White Paper later in the year.