HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 cc2110-1
11. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, in view of the fact that some local authorities are continuing with changes which will make implementation of the Seebohm Report more difficult, he will now introduce legislation to prevent such changes being put into effect until the Government's decision on the Report has been announced; and if he will hasten to make this announcement.

Mr. Callaghan

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services stated in reply to a Question by my hon. Friend the Member for Cardiff North (Mr. E. Rowlands) on 14th July, the Government will reach and announce their decisions on the Seebohm Report as soon as possible. Meanwhile, it is unwise for local authorities to take action that might subsequently prove to be incompatible with those decisions.—[Vol. 787, c. 16.]

Mr. Jenkins

Will my right hon. Friend consider some reinforcement of the advice he has just given, possibly by the issue of a circular, so that people may anticipate what the Government may do in the matter?

Mr. Callaghan

I have sympathy with my hon. Friend's view, but I hope that the Governments decision can be announced in the near future. I took the opportunity of a meeting with local authority associations only this week on another matter to remind them of the opinion I have given the House this afternoon.

Mr. Fortescue

Would the Home Secretary accept that the present action by the Association of Child Care Officers in recommending its members not to apply for jobs with local authorities where organisations contrary to Seebohm are being introduced is regrettable and should be forestalled as soon as possible?

Mr. Callaghan

I think that the best way of forestalling it is for the Government to announce their decision, but I am aware that opinion amongst child care officers is running very high on this subject, and it is important that we should make a statement. I should like my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Security and myself to be able to do so in the next month, at any rate.

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