§ Mr. Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the implications for staff who have previously been working for his Department's offices situated in the London borough of Southwark of the proposed creation of the Department of Health; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe decision to divide the DHSS into two separate Departments has only just been made and details have still to be worked out. One of our first concerns will be to ensure that proper arrangements are made to protect the legitimate interests of staff. The trades unions representing the staff affected will, of course, be consulted.