Public Health Laboratory Service (Hansard, 4 June 1985)

§ Lord Hunter of Newington
My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Health and Social Security (Baroness Trumpington)
My Lords, a comprehensive review of the Public Health Laboratory Service has now been completed and its report has gone to the National Health Service and a wide range of medical, scientific, local authority and staff side bodies for consultation. We will not be taking decisions on the major recommendations until after consultation is complete.

§ Lord Hunter of Newington
My Lords, I thank the noble Baroness for that reply. Are the Government aware of the fact that there is grave concern within this service, which has been excellent in the past, which is unique in the world, and which to many people does not seem to have any indications of need for change?

§ Baroness Trumpington
My Lords, I should like to echo the words of praise given by the noble Lord, Lord Hunter. In order to reassure people, the terms of reference of the review were that it was done as part of its normal accountability responsibilities towards non-departmental public bodies. The DHSS commissioned a comprehensive review of the PHLS with the following terms of reference: to review the effective, efficient, and economic operation of the PHLS including its functions and its most appropriate organisation and staffing in terms of numbers, grades, and manpower costs. But it was not a money-saving exercise.

§ Lord Molloy
My Lords, is the noble Baroness aware that this laboratory service is acknowledged not only in Great Britain, and not only by the medical services but throughout the world, as a service par excellence. Many people who are deeply involved and acquainted with and know all about this remarkable service, as Lord Hunter said, feel that it does not require any examination. But if there is to be one, would it also be possible for both Houses of Parliament to debate what might be proposed? As I have said, this service is highly regarded throughout the world.

§ Baroness Trumpington
I think I have already reiterated the original expressions of congratulation to the service in my reply to the noble Lord, Lord Hunter. If the noble Lord would care to look at my original reply he will find the answer to the other part of his question.

§ Lord Kilmarnock
My Lords, would the noble Baroness assure the House that there is no threat to the excellent system and service of public analysts?

§ Baroness Trumpington
My Lords, as I have already said, no decisions are being taken until the consultations are complete.

§ Lord Ennals
My Lords, while very much echoing 612 the tributes that have been paid to the 52 laboratories that have been under survey for the Director of Service for the National Health Service, may I ask this question? Bearing in mind the main recommendation in the review report is that they should be taken over and administered by local health authorities, can the noble Baroness say what would happen if a local health authority with difficulties in financing were not to be willing to take over the administration of the laboratory? Can she give an assurance that none of the laboratories will be closed whatever the result of the consultation?

§ Baroness Trumpington
My Lords, I am rather surprised at the question put by the noble Lord, Lord Ennals, because I have already said that no decisions will be taken until consultation is complete.

§ Lord Ennals
My Lords, the noble Baroness will understand that it is at least reasonable, in the light of her tribute as well as others, that one should ask for an assurance that as a result of an inquiry into the method of administration of these laboratories none of their work is going to be undermined, bearing in mind such cases as we have had on AIDS and Legionnaires' disease. All I asked for was an assurance that none of the laboratories were going to close as a result of the review.

§ Baroness Trumpington
My Lords, questions, as I have already said, relating to the implementation of the report are hypothetical and should not be prejudged. However, we can see no reason why any of the report's proposals need adversely affect the ability of the Public Health Laboratory Service to act effectively in any future outbreaks. I would also say that there is no question of dismantling the service.

Lord Taylor
My Lords, may I ask the noble Baroness whether she is aware of the value of the service as a "police force" for both the National Health Service and the work of the local authorities? Both of them require checking from time to time and is the noble Baroness aware that this is precisely the service which the Public Health Laboratory Service provides? I hope therefore that it will remain separate.

§ Baroness Trumpington
My Lords, the report does not make any recommendations for changing the relationship between the Public Health Laboratory Service, the National Health Service and the local authorities.