Written question asked by Lord Foster of Bath (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 8 September 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 October 2004. It was answered by Melanie Johnson (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 October 2004 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Dept of Health

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health, how many times his Department has consulted members of the academic community with regard to health consequences of (a) smoking, (b) alcohol and (c) physical inactivity since January; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Don Foster: To ask the Secretary of State for Health how many times his Department has consulted members of the academic community with regard to health consequences of (a) smoking, (b) alcohol and (c) physical inactivity since January; and if he will make a statement. [188746] Miss Melanie Johnson: The Department consults on the health consequences of smoking on a quarterly basis through the independent scientific committee on tobacco and health. On alcohol, the alcohol harm reduction strategy for England 2004 was subject to four consultation events in London, Newcastle, Bristol and Manchester, which included the academic community. On physical inactivity, the Department is in regular contact with a wide range of academics in this field of research.

Secondary information