HC Deb 23 June 1971 vol 819 cc1417-8
27. Mr. Robert Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will now make a statement on his proposals for the reorganisation of the Health Service in Scotland.

Mr. Edward Taylor

I am not yet ready to add to the reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Glasgow, Hillhead (Mr. Galbraith) on 5th November last, but I will do so as soon as possible.—[Vol. 805, c. 453-4.]

Mr. Hughes

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that, apart from the information that we have been able to get from him on request, for which we thank him, and apart from the odd Press statement, we have had no information about the reorganisation of the Health Service in Scotland? In view of the fact that this organisation is not unconnected with the reorganisation of local government, and that the two will have to be discussed in parallel, although, naturally, one will follow the other in terms of legislation, cannot we have a statement very soon, and certainly before the recess?

Mr. Taylor

We shall reveal the proposals as soon as we can. The reason for the delay has been that wide consultations have been necessary and, in a matter of such great importance, it is essential to give organisations sufficient time to react, especially to the important, far-reaching proposals about the central organisation of a reorganised Health Service.