§ 54. Mr. K. Robinsonasked the Minister of Health when he expects to receive the Report of the Working Party on the Functions and Training of Social Workers; and when the Report will be published.
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI understand that the Report is expected to be presented early next year; immediate consideration will then be given to its publication.
§ Mr. RobinsonIs the Minister aware that many desirable development and training schemes in this field are awaiting the publication of the Report, which is being used by his Department as an excuse for doing nothing? Will he ensure that there is no delay whatever over publication after he receives the Report?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI did not quite hear what the hon. Gentleman said about my Department, but I rather gathered from the expression on his face that it was not complimentary, and so I do not think I missed very much. I will certainly take into account what he says about the importance of publication.
Dr. JohnsonIs my right hon. and learned Friend aware that this is, I think, the third working party on this subject and related subjects in succession to each other, and will he give the House an assurance that he will take action on the Report of this one and not appoint yet another working party to consider the recommendations of this working party?
§ Mr. Walker-SmithI am sure that we shall get a very valuable report from the working party, and I shall consider it with a view to both action and publication.