HC Deb 27 May 1968 vol 765 cc1216-7
35. Mr. Moonman

asked the Lord President of the Council when he expects to co-ordinate Her Majesty's Government's consideration of the findings of the Seebohm Committee.

The Lord President of the Council (Mr. Richard Crossman)

My colleagues and I will be considering the Report as soon as we have been able to see and digest its recommendations.

Mr. Moonman

When the Report is published, will the Lord President of the Council consider establishing in each local authority area facilities for consultation with the field workers in the social services? Does he also agree that it might be useful to establish joint bodies which would look at position and reorganisation at every possible stage so that there is no frustration in the social services?

Mr. Crossman

I am not prepared to exclude any possibilities. We shall certainly consider everything at national level and consider possibilities at local level as well.

Mr. Worsley

Will the Lord President of the Council approach his right hon. Friend the Leader of the House to ensure that soon after the publication of the Report there will be a full debate on the subject in view of its extreme importance?

Mr. Crossman

It is not wise to anticipate what happens. I would not expect the Report until July. We shall have to see how things go after that.