§ 17. Sir D. Walker-Smithasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will now advise the appointment of a Royal Commission to review and make recommendations upon the financing of the social services in the context of the United Kingdom's economic resources and the desirability of fair dealing for all.
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterNo, Sir.
§ Sir D. Walker-SmithIs my right hon. Friend aware that, although that Answer has the virtue of clarity, it has very little other virtue? Is he not himself well equipped by long and successful experience both at the Treasury and in the social services to bring a fresh mind to bear on this constructive suggestion which I have been advancing for the past eighteen months? Will not he agree that the financing of our social services has grown up historically in a haphazard fashion and that a review could do much to improve it and also to bring better conditions for those who work in them?
§ Mr. Boyd-CarpenterI do not differ from a good deal of what my right hon. and learned Friend has said about the importance and the complexity of the problem with which he, too, is very familiar, but I feel that this is essentially a matter for the Government of the 777 day, in the exercise of their responsibility, and one which the Government should not seek to place away in the hands of a Royal Commission.