§ Mr. Frank R. Whiteasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she has considered the report of the Expenditure Committee on Accident and Emergency Services; and if she will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CastleA White Paper setting out the Government's view of the Committee's Report is published today (Cmnd 5886).
My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland and my right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for Wales and I note with satisfaction that the Committee endorsed the policy pursued by successive Governments of concentrating accident and emergency services in selected district general hospitals, and are grateful to the Committee for suggesting ways in which these essential services might be improved. Of the Committee's 21 recommendations the Government accept 17 either wholly or in part and are unable to accept only four—those concerned with the showing of TV "space fillers"; the operation of health centres on a 24-hour basis; the designation of one Minister with overall responsibility for rescue services; and membership of health authorities and successor bodies to the Ambulance Service Advisory Committee.