HC Deb 04 May 1959 vol 605 cc6-7
14. Mr. Blenkinsop

asked the Minister of Health whether he has yet received the Younghusband Report; and when it will be published.

27. Sir K. Joseph

asked the Minister of Health when the report of the Young-husband Working Party on Social Workers is likely to be published.

Mr. Walker-Smith

The Report is published today and copies are in the Library. I would like to express the thanks of the Secretary of State for Scotland and myself for the time and effort which the Chairman and members of the Working Party have devoted to producing this very thorough and valuable Report.

Mr. Blenkinsop

While joining m thanks for the preparation of this voluminous Report, may I ask whether the right hon. and learned Gentleman will give immediate attention, in particular, to the setting up of the national training scheme which is recommended, in view of the importance of it in relation to the Mental Health Bill now going through Parliament?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I will give immediate attention to this recommendation and to other valuable recommendations. The first thing I have to do is to get the views of local authority asociations on the recommendations. I am doing that at once, and in the light of the replies I will consider what decisions it is proper for me to come to.

Dame Irene Ward

While I would express the thanks of a great many people who are interested in this Report for the action that the Minister is taking, may I ask him, in circulating local authorities, whether he will stimulate them to taking quick action because of the far-reaching proposals in the Bill and so that we may get moving on it without undue delay?

Mr. Walker-Smith

I think the local authorities fully realise the importance of this matter and the value of speed. I am sure that they will be encouraged in that approach by what my hon. Friend has been good enough to say just now.