§ 25. Mr. Moonmanasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to local authorities in awaiting the implementation of the Seebohm Committee Report.
§ Mr. CallaghanI have informed local authorities seeking to make changes in the organisation of children's departments which require my approval that I would consider it unwise to take action which prejudges the outcome of present consultations with the local authority associations about the recommendations of the Seebohm Committee.
§ Mr. MoonmanI appreciate my right hon. Friend's remarks. Is he aware of 1070 the deep anger and anxiety in some London boroughs of staff who feel that schemes are likely to be implemented shortly, thus short-circuiting the Seebohm Report?
§ Mr. CallaghanI am aware of that. There is a great deal of disquiet among a number of children's committees and the professional children's workers. It is for that reason that I have advised local authorities that meanwhile they should not take this action.