§ 29. Major CARVERasked the Minister of Health whether, in view of the value of the work of the National Council of Social Services, any steps can be taken by the Government to promote the establishment of community councils in rural districts throughout the country?
§ The PARLIAMENTARY SECRETARY to the MINISTRY of HEALTH (Mr. Shakespeare)The value of the work of rural community councils is fully recognised and the Ministries concerned gladly co-operate with the National Council in regard to it, so far as they suitably can. Some branches of the local work are financially assisted by county councils. The councils are, however, voluntary bodies, and my hon. and gallant Friend will agree that it would be unwise to carry official relations with them so far as to involve any risk of their losing that position.
§ Mr. PIKEIs the hon. Gentleman aware that in Sheffield the recommendations of the local council of social services, 1121 especially in housing cases which they personally investigated, were taken no notice of whatever by the local housing committee?