LETTER:In good health

From Mr Tony Close

Sir: I should like to point out that, far from being defunct, as the Health Education Authority was described in your profile of Brian Mawhinney ("A Tory offensive", 12 August), the organisation is going from strength to strength.

Last December, we started our largest ever smoking education campaign and 1996 will see the launch of two national campaigns, one to promote physical activity and the other to encourage folic acid intake for women planning pregnancy. In May, it was announced that we are to spearhead a new three-year anti-drugs campaign, and we are co-ordinating, for the first time, World Mental Health Day, which takes place on 10 October this year. I think you will agree, we are alive and kicking!

Yours faithfully,

Tony Close

Chairman

Health Education Authority

London, WC1