asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what progress has been made in promoting health care; and if he will make a statement.

In "Care in Action" published last year, the new district health authorities were asked to give high priority to the prevention of physical and mental ill-health, and this theme is being pursued in various ways. The amount of money devoted to health education work on a national basis has continued to increase substantially in real terms. In addition, I announced on 27 October the imminent establishment of the health promotion research trust, which will be provided with up to £11 million for research on health promotion.