The Secretary of State must take such steps as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for the purpose of protecting the public in England from disease or other dangers to health.
The steps that may be taken under subsection (1) include—
the conduct of research or such other steps as the Secretary of State considers appropriate for advancing knowledge and understanding;
providing microbiological or other technical services (whether in laboratories or otherwise);
providing vaccination, immunisation or screening services;
providing other services or facilities for the prevention, diagnosis or treatment of illness;
providing training;
providing information and advice;
making available the services of any person or any facilities.
Subsection (4) applies in relation to any function under this section which relates to—
the protection of the public from ionising or non-ionising radiation, and
a matter in respect of which a relevant body has a function.
In exercising the function, the Secretary of State must—
consult the relevant body, and
have regard to its policies.
For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4), each of the following is a relevant body—
the Health and Safety Executive;
the Office for Nuclear Regulation.