§ Sir C. COBBasked the Minister of Health what action he has taken, or proposes to take, upon the recommendations made in the Report of the Royal Commission on Merthyr Tydfil?
§ Sir K. WOODOn consideration of the Report of the Royal Commission, I reached the conclusion that the step which could most usefully be taken immediately would be the appointment of an experienced administrator to assist the Corporation. I have accordingly requested Mr. John Rowland, C.B., C.B.E., M.V.O., the Chairman of the Welsh Board of Health, to act for a 717W period as adviser of the Corporation. This appointment does not preclude and may assist, the consideration at a later date in the light of the recommendations of the Commission of any further steps that may be desirable.
The Corporation welcomed my proposal and I am glad to have this opportunity of acknowledging publicly their promise of cordial co-operation. As the title selected for Mr. Rowland's position implies, his functions will be advisory only. The right (within any statutory limitation) to take its own decisions as it may think fit, and to give effect to those decisions, rests unimpaired with the Corporation.