HL Deb 06 March 1979 vol 399 c6

2.54 p.m.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how the work of the Royal Commission on the National Health Service is progressing, and when its report is likely to be issued.

The PARLIAMENTARY UNDERSECRETARY of STATE, DEPARTMENT of HEALTH and SOCIAL SECURITY (Lord Wells-Pestell)

My Lords, I understand that the Royal Commission on the National Health Service is making good progress with its work and expects its report to be ready within the next few months.

Lord SEGAL

My Lords, I thank my noble friend for that not very illuminating reply. In view of the enormous amount of ground that has had to be covered by the Royal Commission since it was first appointed over three years ago, would it be possible to consider issuing an interim report dealing at least with some of the more urgent problems facing the National Health Service, such as the situation in our hospitals?

Lord WELLS-PESTELL

My Lords, bearing in mind that the Commission expects to have its report ready in the next few months, it would seem that in the circumstances we should wait for the full report rather than attempt to do something meanwhile by way of an interim report or a small report on any particular aspect.