§ Lord Morris of Manchesterask Her Majesty's Government:
Which of their policies for minimum incomes and health specifically address the need to reduce widening inequality in the expectation of life between unskilled workers and professional workers. [HL3422]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathInequalities in life expectancy are due to a variety of factors: income distribution, education, public safety, housing, employment, transport and pollution as well as those relating to behaviour.
Changes we have made to the tax and benefit systems, the introduction of the National Minimum Wage and action to reduce the number of deaths from coronary heart disease and stroke and cancer are aimed at improving the health of everyone and the worst off in particular.
Other action across government is identified in Saving Lives: Our Healthier Nation, published in July 1999, and Opportunity for All: Tackling Poverty and Social Exclusion, published in September 1999. Copies are available in the Library.
§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What acts they are taking with other member states of the European Union to reduce inequality in 98WA the expectation of life between unskilled workers and professional workers. [HL3423]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe recently published health strategy for the European Community aims to meet emerging health trends and challenges across Europe. The strategy recognises the serious threat posed by wide variations and inequalities in health status.
One of its objectives is to achieve an integrated health strategy which links all health related activities including those in other policy areas which have an impact on health. This is the first time all health related activity has been brought together in such a coherent way by the Commission.
The European Commission views the programme as a key initiative that will provide added value at a European level but makes clear that health care delivery remains the responsibility by member states. The United Kingdom Government emphasised the importance of this in its initial reaction to the Communication at the Health Council on 29 June.