§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to reduce the number of suicides. [31061]
§ Mr. BoatengI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave on 10 November 1997,Official Report, column 437. The Green Paper, Our Healthier Nation, published in February 1998, makes clear the importance we place on reducing the burden of mental health problems. The Green paper proposes a target to reduce the suicide rate by one sixth by 2010 and sets out examples of what action needs to be taken at government, community and individual level. Consultation on the Green Paper proposals will last until 30 April 1998.