§ Lord McColl of Dulwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why, for the first time in 150 years, the Chief Medical Officer's annual report was not published last year; and whether the Department of Health intends to publish it this year. [HL4012]
§ Lord Hunt of Kings HeathThe last Chief Medical Officer's report was published in August 1998 by Sir Kenneth Calman shortly before he left office. The present Chief Medical Officer came into post in late September 1998. He has taken stock of the publications issued by the Chief Medical Officer and introduced a number of changes. He is currently exploring the opportunities for greater use of web-based publishing methods.
After listening to a wide range of views, he also intends to introduce changes to the format of his annual report. Although the previous format served its purpose well in the past, it is very detailed and it is not always clear in what areas action is being called for. The practice of the CMO's annual report containing descriptions of a wide range of government policies which are contained in other documents added to the detailed nature of the reports.
It is the intention of the Chief Medical Officer to produce the new format of the report later this year. It will be shorter, with a clear focus on areas for action and in a more accessible form.