§ 37. Mr. G. M. Thomsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will appoint a secretary from the Scottish Health Department as an additional secretary to the Committee of Inquiry into the National Health Service under the chairmanship of Mr. Guillebaud.
§ Mr. J. StuartAn experienced officer of the Department of Health for Scotland is being specially appointed to the secretariat of the committee to assist on matters specially affecting Scotland.
§ 52. Mr. Hector Hughesasked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will specify precisely the nature and scope of the inquiries into Scottish conditions which are to be undertaken by the new Committee of Inquiry which has been set up to investigate the National Health Service; and what steps he intends to take to protect the interests of the Scottish people in this matter.
§ Mr. J. StuartIt is for the Committee themselves to decide, having regard to their terms of reference, the nature and scope of their review of the National Health Service in Scotland. As regards the second part of the Question, I understand that the Committee have invited memoranda from Scottish bodies and intend to hear oral evidence in Scotland, so that they will become fully aware of Scottish needs and circumstances.
§ Mr. HughesIn view of the widespread alarm which the appointment of this Committee in Scotland has caused, could the right hon. Gentleman give an assurance that the advantages which the Scottish people have enjoyed during the last six years will be in no way imperilled?
§ Mr. StuartI can only draw the hon. and learned Gentleman's attention to the terms of reference which end by saying:
… while providing for the maintenance of an adequate Service.…That is our intention.