asked the Secretary of State for Social Services why so little mention of preventive medicine and the promotion of maintaining good health is made in the consultative document "Patients First"; and what policies he intends to develop to promote aspects of medical care.

As we explained in the foreword, "Patients First" is about the structure and management of the NHS. The Royal Commission on the NHS made a great many other proposals, which the Government have under close consideration. On the specific matter of preventive health policies, I would refer the hon. Member to the debate on the report of the Royal Commission on the NHS on 23 January.—[Vol. 977, c. 45479, 565–76.]