§ 24. Sir John Hallasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has now completed his consultations following the Foster Committee's Report on Scientology; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonMy right hon. Friend is still in consultation with my colleagues about this report and is not yet able to make a statement.
§ Sir John HallIs my hon. Friend aware that it is nearly five years since the inquiry was first initiated and 10 months since the report was laid before the House? Even criminals are entitled to expect sentence to be passed with less delay than that. Cannot my hon. Friend expedite the decision and remove the uncertainty from which these people are suffering?
§ Mr. AlisonMy hon. Friend will be aware of the complex aspects and issues raised by the report, particularly the recommendation that psychotherapy for reward should be statutorily controlled. A great many interests, professional and extra-governmental, are involved. We are pressing ahead with consultations and will bring them to a conclusion as soon as we practicably can.
§ Dame Joan VickersIn view of the serious allegations made against the Moorhaven Hospital concerning which I have written to my hon. Friend, will he please give an adequate reply in the near future?
§ Mr. AlisonThat is another question. My hon. Friend, as she says, has written to me about this case, which concerns me greatly, and I shall be in touch with her about it.