HC Deb 30 October 1956 vol 558 c1234
27. Mr. Edward Evans

asked the Minister of Labour when the Piercy Committee on Disabled Persons will present its Report.

The Minister of Labour and National Service (Mr. Iain Macleod)

The Report has been received and is to be published on 1st November. The Government are grateful for this comprehensive Report, and will consider its recommendations in consultation with the standing advisory bodies concerned. I and my right hon. Friends the Secretary of State for Scotland and the Minister of Health would like to thank Lord Piercy and the members of his Committee for their careful study of the complex questions involved.

Mr. Evans

While endorsing the compliments paid by the Minister to the members of the Committee, may I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he will arrange with the Leader of the House for us to have a comprehensive debate, not only on the Piercy Committee's Report, but on the whole background of disabled persons and their welfare? Does the right hon. Gentleman envisage any new legislation or Statutory Instruments in regard to the Report?

Mr. Macleod

The first part of the supplementary question is, of course, a matter for the Leader of the House, but I will bring to his attention what the hon. Gentleman has said. As to the second part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question, it is too early yet to know whether legislation in any form will or will not be required until consultations have been carried out with the different advisory bodies concerned.

Dame Irene Ward

Can I ask my right hon. Friend for an assurance that this Report will not go the way of the Phillips Report?

Hon. Members

Answer.