§ Q7. Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Prime Minister if he will increase the number of Ministers at the Department of Health and Social Security.
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir.
§ Mr. DavisIs the Prime Minister aware that there is a desperate need to have a new Minister in the Department to do that which the present incumbents are not prepared to do—namely, to ensure that local authorities comply with the law, the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, which they are consistently refusing to do?
§ The Prime MinisterMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has explained to the House several times that the local authorities have been given very comprehensive guidance on what is required under the Act, that he proposes to give them the reasonable time that is required, because of the reorganisation of the whole of the social services now going on in local government, in order to implement it, and that he will make the necessary Order at the appropriate time.