§ Mr. Stephen Rossasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she has any proposals for providing health centres for merchant seamen as suggested by the World Health Organisation.
§ Dr. OwenThe Government are aware of the World Health Organisation recommendation that there should be special medical facilities for seamen. Such occupational health services are the responsibility primarily of employers. The Government have no plans to provide
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§ Dr. OwenI would refer the hon. Member to my right hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Eccles (Mr. Carter-Jones) on 20th October. We expect a further report from the Resource Allocation Working Party on arrangements for years beyond 1976–77 early next year. [Vol. 898, c.43–4.]