HC Deb 12 December 1972 vol 848 cc223-4
17. Dr. Summerskill

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will make a statement giving the Government's reply to the Report of the Expenditure Committee on National Health Service Facilities for Private Patients.

Sir K. Joseph

I cannot yet add to my reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East (Mrs. Renée Short) on 13th November.—[Vol. 846, c. 46.]

Dr. Summerskill

Will the right hon. Gentleman bear in mind that this report, which was published as long ago as last March, was as highly controversial within the Committee as it is within this House; that its contents are awaited by those who work in the health service and those who use it, and that the House should have an opportunity to debate it before the Health Service Reorganisation Bill comes to this House?

Sir K. Joseph

The arranging of debates is not for me. I do know that the subject is one that arouses great interest, and that is why I am taking some time before presenting the Government's answer to the House.

Mrs. Renée Short

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that our committee had his Permanent Secretary before us at our last meeting? Would he like to come and explain why he has not published the report? Is he aware that from a reading of the answers of his Permanent Secretary it was clear that he was somewhat embarrassed by the fact that he was not able to give us a firm date for the publication of the Minister's reply? Perhaps he will take this up and let us have his considered reply—very soon—to all the recommendations that were made.

Sir K. Joseph

With respect to the hon. Lady's committee, the responsibility in this matter is entirely mine, and not my Permanent Secretary's. I am perfectly willing to answer in this House for the fact that I am taking my time to consider very carefully my answer to the report of the hon. Lady's Committee.