§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had with other Ministers on the effect of unemployment and poor housing on inequalities in health. [29597]
§ Ms JowellWe have had a number of discussions with Ministerial colleagues at various times over the impact which unemployment and bad housing have on health inequalities. We have launched a number of initiatives that aim to make society more equitable, for example the reduction of Value Added Tax on fuel to 5 per cent., and those that will have a particular effect on the health of the most needy in society are explained in the recent Green Paper "Our Healthier Nation".
§ Helen JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to promote research into inequalities in health; and if he will make a statement. [29599]
§ Ms JowellThere is considerable research evidence about the determinants of inequalities in health, but very little to indicate wheat interventions would be effective in reducing inequalities. Consequently, the Department is commissioning a programme of research into this area. The results of the commissioning process will be announced in due course.
Additionally, the Department's Director of Research and Development chairs a co-ordinating group on research in inequalities covering funders working in this area.
498WThe Department particularly welcomes and supports the Economic and Social Research Council programme on Inequalities in health.
The Independent Inquiry into Inequalities in Health being undertaken by Sir Donald Acheson may suggest further areas where research would be valuable. The inquiry is due to report later this year.