§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what arrangements exist within his Department, within the central headquarters or in any regional or sub-regional organisation, for dealing with his responsibilities 29W regarding public services or any other function in respect of the Greater London area; and how many full-time equivalent staff are involved in such work.
§ Mr. FowlerMy responsibility for health services in London are exercised largely through the four Thames regional health authorities, the relevant district health authorities and the special health authorities. In addition, the family practitioner services are administered by the family practitioner committees which are accountable to me. The exact numbers and deployment of their staff are a matter for the bodies concerned. Arrangements for liaison exist within the Department's organisational structure, but it is not possible to identify directly the amount of staff time devoted solely to London issues.
As regards personal social services, local authorities are required to act under my general guidance. I also have certain specific powers such as those of formal inquiry and inspection and responsibilities such as social work training. In carrying out these functions I am supported by the Social Services Inspectorate regional and central staff and by other headquarters staff. At the inspectorate's London regional office, there are 14 professional staff and nine administrative and secretarial staff primarily engaged in work relating to the London boroughs. It is not possible to identify separately the time spent by other staff on Greater London issues.
My responsibilities for social security in London are carried through by local offices of two London regions. The offices employed 9,890 full-time equivalent staff at 1 March 1987.
§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services with which Departments and non-departmental bodies his Department, and its related non-departmental public bodies has consulted during 1986–87 in respect of services provided within Greater London; approximately how often such consultations have taken place; and what issues were discussed.
§ Mr. FowlerMy Department and the regional, district and special health authorities consult as appropriate with other departments and non-departmental public bodies. No central record is kept of the numerous oral and written consultations which occur.
§ Mr. Squireasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether there are any proposals to change the arrangements for discharging his Department's responsibilities regarding public services or any other function in respect of the Greater London area during the forthcoming year.
§ Mr. FowlerI have no proposals to change the current arrangements.