§ 16. Mr. Goldingasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he 818 intends to announce the appointment of an Ombudsman.
§ Sir K. JosephI shall make an announcement of Government policy when I have completed my study of the issues involved.
§ Mr. GoldingIs the right hon. Gentleman aware that many months ago we were told that he would be making a statement soon? Is he further aware that disquiet is growing every week about the way in which complaints against the National Health Service are dealt with within the Service? Is it not obvious that the quicker an N.H.S. Ombudsman is appointed, the better it will be for the profession and the public?
§ Sir K. JosephI know the hon. Gentleman's strong feeling on this subject. I am still discussing with the medical profession the implications of a Health Service Ombudsman. I must complete those discussions before reaching a decision.