HC Deb 08 February 1977 vol 925 cc1208-9
4. Mr. Grist

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when the Government hope to conclude discussions on the report of the Committee on Child Health Services.

Mr. Ennals

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 14th January.

Mr. Grist

Does the Secretary of State understand that the Opposition accept fully the need for these consultations and that we hope that early action will follow as a result of them? Meanwhile, however, will he encourage health authorities to go ahead with the implementation of various sections of the report which perhaps do not cost very much or, indeed, any money at all? I have in mind in particular the psychiatric sections of it.

Mr. Ennals

I am looking at which parts of the report might well be proceeded with much earlier than the others, especially the recommendations which have either nil or very little resource implications. But it would be wrong to take any piece of it out of context and reach a decision before consultations. Giving until 30th June for consultations, bearing in mind that there are roughly 140 organisations involved, is giving about the right amount of time. I take the report very seriously. As soon as the consultations are completed, I shall want to bring to the House the Government's conclusions on how to implement the recommendations.

Mr. Carter-Jones

Is it not strange that moral factors and cheaper economic factors can wait? Would it not be helpful for the Treasury if my right hon. Friend implemented Chapter 8 of the Court Report without further discussion? That section of the report deals with perinatal care. My right hon. Friend could save 2,000 lives per annum. What is more, 10,000 children who are now born disabled need not be born disabled. Bearing in mind that it costs £4,000 per annum to look after such a child, in one year my right hon. Friend could save £40 million.

Mr. Ennals

I share my hon. Friend's concern. However, I do not think he suggests that, if I immediately said "Yes" to his proposal, that number of lives, with one wave of a wand, would no longer be damaged. I agree that these are vital proposals and that they are not heavy in resource demand. It is right, however, for me to consult the professional organisations. It would be wrong to rush ahead and say that we intended to do this regardless of what the professional bodies thought.

Dr. Vaughan

Does not the Secretary of State agree that this is such an important report with so many implications for the future care of children that it would be wrong to start implementing parts of it before we had a full debate in the House?

Mr. Ennals

It would be wrong before there had been effective consultations, and it would be a great help if there could he a debate in the House. But I am not the Leader of the House, and I cannot enter into a commitment, although I would very much like to see a debate on this vital report.