Sir G. Lloydasked the Minister of Health to what extent all the statistical material already available about the health services is capable of being put to effective use; what further statistics are needed to promote administrative improvements to, or economies in, operation; and how the publication of such available material as is of practical benefit can be expedited.
§ Mr. Iain MacleodThe statistical material now obtained is needed to assist in the formulation of policy both locally and centrally, and in the consideration of administrative and financial problems by the responsible local bodies and by my Department. I am satisfied that it is effective for these purposes, but increasing experience has revealed and will continue to reveal the need for changes, and they will be made from time to time as the occasion arises. I anticipate that experience will also enable the time lag inseparable from the collation and publication of national figures to be further reduced.