HC Deb 26 June 1967 vol 749 cc86-7
43. Mr. Dean

asked the Minister without Portfolio what steps he is taking to co-ordinate the cash benefits and the supporting services provided for those in need.

Mr. Gordon Walker

I accept that local authority social services have a vital rôle to play.

I must apologise to the House. I am reading a supplementary answer. The following is the main Answer: The work of co-ordination is continually going on, in close co-operation with the Ministers concerned. If the hon. Member has in mind any particular suggestion for improving co-ordination, I shall be pleased to consider it.

Mr. Dean

Having had the advantage of hearing the right hon. Gentleman's supplementary answer, can I ask him whether he recognises that four or five Ministries are involved? Is he satisfied that there is sufficient locking-in of the efforts of those Ministries and the local authorities to ensure full value for money?

Mr. Gordon Walker

I am aware how many Ministers are concerned, because I have to deal with co-ordinating them. I think that we are sufficiently locked into use the hon. Gentleman's own words—but it is more difficult to get some degree of co-operation between Government Departments and local authorities, because in many respects local authorities are independent.