HC Deb 07 May 2002 vol 385 cc108-9W
Adam Price

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to raise awareness of the issue of alcohol consumption among children of primary school age. [51557]

Ms Blears

Drug education, including alcohol education, in maintained schools is statutory part of the national curriculum. At Key Stage 2, 7 to 11-year-olds should learn that tobacco, alcohol and other drugs can have harmful effects.

In addition to this, three years of focused effort has increased awareness among teachers and pupils of the dangers of alcohol misuse by: the production of guidance for schools; the launch of the joint Department of Health and Department of Education and Skills National Healthy School Standard (NHSS) in October 1999, of which drug, alcohol and tobacco education is a key component; and the publication of the Personal, Social and Health Education Framework (PSHE) in November 1999.

Miss Begg

To ask the Secretary of State for Health whether the Government's alcohol strategy will include a framework for raising awareness of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption when pregnant. [51825]

Ms Blears

We believe that it is important to ensure that women are aware of the dangers of excessive alcohol consumption during pregnancy and we will certainly consider ways in which the national strategy to tackle alcohol misuse could be used to raise awareness.