HL Deb 02 March 1967 vol 280 cc1205-6WA
BARONESS BROOKE OF YSTRAD-FELLTE

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What changes, if any, are contemplated in the present organisational structure of the National Health Service; and whether they will make a statement.

THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE FOR COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS (LORD BESWICK)

My right honourable friend the Minister of Health has proposed that responsibility for the ambulance service should be transferred from the local health authorities to the hospital authorities, and this is being discussed with the local authority associations. The structure of local government, by which important elements of the National Health Service are provided, is being reviewed by the Royal Commission on Local Government in England and Wales. A Committee set up by my right honourable friends the Secretary of State for Home Affairs, the Secretary of State for Education and Science, the Minister of Housing and Local Government and the Minister of Health under the Chairmanship of Mr. Frederic Seebohm is considering the organisation and responsibilities of the local authority personal social services in England and Wales. The Minister of Health will study with care not only the implications of these reviews, but will also consider other suggestions including those made on this subject in the debate in this House on February 15.

House adjourned at nineteen minutes before five o'clock