HC Deb 30 March 1999 vol 328 cc644-5W
19. Ms Kingham

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action his Department is taking to raise public awareness of the dangers of skin cancer. [77717]

Ms Jowell

Skin cancers are largely preventable and we continue to work closely with a wide range of public bodies to raise public awareness of the sun's harmful effects. The Health Education Authority's annual sun awareness week and the new ultra-violet solar index being developed with the Meteorological Office are examples of the work the Department of Health is supporting to provide people with information on the day-to-day strength of the sun's rays and its capacity to burn, advice on the measures a person can take to lessen risks of sunburn, and information on the early detection and treatment of skin cancers.