HC Deb 09 July 1956 vol 556 cc2-3
5. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Minister of Health what consideration he has given, both in the interest of administrative efficiency and of encouraging borough council civic significance, to the possibility of transferring to borough councils with a local population of 40,000 or over certain public health services appropriate to such local administration; and what representations to this effect he has received.

The Minister of Health (Mr. R. H. Turton)

I assume that the hon. Member is referring to the transfer of certain services provided under the National Health Service Act. This is being considered as part of the general question of the reorganisation of local government, and I am not yet in a position to make any statement. Representations on behalf of borough councils have been made by the Association of Municipal Corporations and by a number of individual councils.

Mr. Sorensen

Can the Minister say whether he is sympathetic to this proposal for the encouragement of local civic interest?

Mr. Turton

Certainly, but I cannot prejudge the reconsideration that is at present taking place. The hon. Member will know that the Guillebaud Report has certain recommendations on this matter. I have received so far 19 letters protesting about that paragraph of the Report and 11 letters in support of it.

Mr. K. Thompson

Is my right hon. Friend able to assure the House that he and his right hon. Friend the Minister of Housing and Local Government are working closely together in the present research into the reform of local government?

Mr. Turton

I can give that assurance; that pressing question is being studied jointly by Ministers.