HC Deb 11 July 2002 vol 388 cc1215-6W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment he has made of the Central Council for Physical Recreation report "Saving Lives, Saving Money"; and if he will make a statement. [68152]

Ms Blears

Increasing participation in physical recreation has an important role to play in raising the rates of physical activity and improving public health. The national service framework for coronary heart disease requires the National Health Service to develop local programmes of effective policies on increasing physical activity. We welcome the findings of the Central Council of Physical Recreation report which documents the progress being made by primary care trusts towards this milestone. We are currently developing a primary care handbook which will provide guidance on delivering the national service frameworks, including advice on developing local prevention strategies and effective approaches to increasing physical activity.