HC Deb 24 October 1978 vol 955 cc910-1W
Mr. Patrick Jenkin

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he intends to publish for consultation the report on medical manpower currently being prepared by officials of his Department.

Mr. Ennals

Yes. My Department's paper "Medical Manpower—The Next 20 Years", which was issued on 29th September, is at present with the printers and will in due course be widely circulated for consultation. In the meantime, a very limited distribution of cyclo-styled copies has been made and a copy has been placed in the Library of the House.

Mr. Pavitt

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the last date for receiving comments on his dicussion paper on medical manpower policy; and when he expects to be able to publish a statement on Government policy arising from these consultations.

Mr. Ennals

I have not thought it necessary to fix a last date for receiving comments on my Department's paper "Medical Manpower—The Next 20 Years", but I expect to be able to make a statement based on comments received in about a year's time. I hope by then to have seen the report of the Royal Commission on the National Health Service and to take account of any of their recommendations that may be relevant.