HC Deb 02 December 1968 vol 774 cc1016-7
16. Mr. Gordon Campbell

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the White Paper on future development of social insurance will be published.

Mr. Crossman

As I have already said, later this winter.

Mr. Campbell

Will the White Paper be limited to the National Insurance system and the social security system, or will it deal also with the Health Service?

Mr. Crossman

We had better await the White Paper. It is likely to be a formidable document. It certainly will have some relation to the Health Service.

Mr. Marks

Was it not the Government's intention that a Green Paper should first be published so that there should be adequate discussions on this at all levels in the community, including trade union branches?

Mr. Crossman

It will be a White Paper which will stimulate discussion. It will make perfectly clear that, before we finalise the arrangements for the Bill which we hope to present in the next Session, we are willing and eager to hear representations from all sides.

Mr. Worsley

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether it is true that this publication is being held up by the Chancellor of the Exchequer?

Mr. Crossman

Yes, I can deny that.

Sir J. Vaughan-Morgan

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that already the Health Service is under discussion in the Green Paper, in the Todd Report on Medical Education and in the Seebohm Report? Is not this the last straw that will break this camel's back?

Mr. Crossman

When he sees the White Paper the right hon. Gentleman will find that it will be concerned only with the issue of the Health Service contribution.