Written question asked by Oliver Heald (Conservative) on Thursday, 4 July 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 July 2002. It was answered by Hazel Blears (Labour) on Thursday, 11 July 2002 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: 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.

Answer: 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.

Secondary information