HC Deb 08 May 1973 vol 856 c185
8. Mr. Redmond

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the home nursing service will be maintained at present standards in the period between local government losing its health powers and the new health authorities taking over.

Sir K. Joseph

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Redmond

Can my right hon. Friend tell us what will be the length of this interregnum period? Does he agree that any change causes unsettle-ment in the minds of people employed in such organisations? Can he do something to remove any unease in the minds of people employed in this service?

Sir K. Joseph

There should be no interregnum. The transition will have been prepared for months. The number of home nurses is, I am glad to say, rising at a record level.