§ Mr. Barry Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he proposes to present a White Paper on the reform of 65W the National Health Service; what is his target implementation date; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter ThomasAs already announced, unification of the Health Service will take effect in April, 1974, when local government is reorganised. A full and definitive statement of the Government's intentions will be made in about the middle of 1972. Before then I expect to make announcements about particular matters such as the arrangements to safeguard the interests of staff. In the meantime consultations with interested bodies are proceeding and the expert studies foreshadowed in the consultative document are in train.