HC Deb 08 February 1977 vol 925 cc622-3W
20. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he has any plans to reform the administration of the National Health Service.

Mr. Ennals

I do not intend any general reorganisation of the administration of the NHS at the present time. In the longer term, fundamental changes may emerge from the Royal Commission on the National Health Service. In the meantime, I am taking steps to streamline administration in the NHS by cutting out duplication of responsibilities between the various tiers of the service, and reducing management costs.

33. Mr. McCrindle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Service if he has received a copy of the latest observations on the National Health Service by McKinsey and Co.; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

It is not my policy to comment on evidence submitted to the Royal Commission on the National Health Service. I have not received a copy of the evidence which McKinsey and Co. are putting to the Royal Commission. The serious reservations of this Government on the reorganisation of the National Health Service, in which this firm of management consultants played a major part, and which we inherited from the last Conservative Government, are well known. I am sure that the Royal Commission will give due weight to this evidence.

36. Mr. Forman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects the Royal Commission on the National Health Service to make an interim report.

Mr. Ennals

I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Carlisle (Mr. Lewis) on 17th January and my hon. Friend's reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston, South (Mr. Thorne) on 26th January.—[Vol. 924, c.19, 684.]