HC Deb 19 March 1968 vol 761 cc236-7
34. Mr. Crouch

asked the Minister of Health what plans he has to implement the recommendations of the Mallaby Committee which reported in December, 1966.

Mr. Snow

My right hon. Friend has considered in consultation with the local authority associations the suggestions addressed to the Department in the report and appropriate action is in train.

Mr. Crouch

Does not the Minister consider that well over a year is a long time to make the local authorities competitive in the recruitment of medical officers of health?

Mr. Snow

Only one group of suggestions has been received by my Department. The observations of the local authority associations on these suggestions have now been obtained and we are working out, with the appropriate Whitley Council and other organisations, the appropriate measures to be taken. I agree that it is a very complex report and needs careful treatment.