§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what advice his Department has given to local authorities about the recommendation in the Seebohm Report on the setting-up of research and intelligence units at local level; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if and when he intends to implement the recommendation of the Seebohm Report on the setting up of an independent central organisation for research and evaluation as part of the social services, in view of the support by professional bodies of the establishment of such an independent organisation.
§ Sir K. JosephThe appropriate organisation of research and intelligence for all departments of local authorities is a matter for the authorities themselves to consider. But I expect to issue guidance shortly to local authorities in England on some of the questions likely to arise as their social services departments take shape, and this will refer to the desirability of making provision to evaluate, and of promoting research into, the effectiveness of the departments' work.
The Government are in consultation with the local authority associations and other interests concerned about the establishment of an advisory council for the personal social services, one of whose functions would, as the Seebohm Committee recommended, be the promotion of development and research.