§ 58. Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether Her Majesty's Government will consider introducing a scheme where resources may be transferred from health authorities to local authorities in cases where it can be proved that good local authority spending on the social services can lead to substantial savings; and if she will arrange to set up an inter-departmental working party consisting of the Department of the Environment, the Department of Health and Social Security and local authorities to discuss this matter.
§ Mrs. Castle:I am in favour of the fullest co-operation between health authorities and local authorities. This is especially important where there is need for some shift in the balance between hospital and community care and I am considering the possibility in suitable cases of joint financing of agreed local plans.