HC Deb 27 February 1961 vol 635 cc1192-3
51. Mr. Pavitt

asked the Minister of Health how many times his Department's delegation to the working party on the sum reserved to improve general practice has met; how many times the full working party has met; and when it is anticipated that it will complete its task.

Mr. Powell

The joint working party has met once. I cannot yet say when it will complete its task. My own staff consult together as necessary.

Mr. Pavitt

Is the right hon. Gentleman satisfied that his own staff consultation is as frequent as necessary? Does he consider this working party to be the kind where one side speaks and the other side listens? Has the Ministry any contribution or suggestions to offer to get the same resources used in the best possible way?

Mr. Powell

In a recent debate, the hon. Member paid tribute to the work of my officials in a former joint working party. I have no reason to suppose that the part they are taking is less effective in this.