HC Deb 09 November 1971 vol 825 cc818-9
17. Mr. Green

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what plans he has for encouraging voluntary bodies in the relief of local needs following the reorganisation of local government.

Mr. Alison

We shall lose no opportunity in our many contacts with the statutory services and voluntary organisations to foster co-operative working and development both before and after local government reorganisation.

Mr. Green

While I am glad to note that answer, may I ask my hon. Friend whether he is aware that there are fears, I trust groundless, that in the reorganisation of local government and possible reorganisation of the National Health Service itself, some well-founded local bodies may wither and die in enlarged areas?

Mr. Alison

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for drawing our attention once again to this possibility. The new directors of social services in the social service departments of local authorities are extremely alert to the vital role voluntary bodies have to play. They are taking imaginative steps to reassure them and to secure their greater co- operation in future.

Mr. Simon Mahon

Is the hon. Gentleman aware of the vocationalism of many religious orders whose members look after, among others, the elderly sick? Is he further aware of the disparity between the financial rewards given to State hospitals compared with those given to these good people who make such a vital contribution? Will he keep this matter very much in mind?

Mr. Alison

I assure the hon. Gentleman that I am aware of the marvellous work that is done by religious organisations in conjunction with hospitals. The role they play is indispensable and we look with the utmost sympathy at any approach they make to us for help in particular cases.