§ Dr. Roger Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if, in view of the results of a survey which indicate that family practitioners are unaware of the extent of the disabilities of patients on their lists, he will issue a circular advising local authority social service departments to pass such information to family practitioners every six months.
Sir George Young: I have no plans to issue such a circular. It is clearly in the best interests of all patients, whether disabled or not, that doctors and other health professionals work closely with social workers as necessary; that all records are accurate and up to date; and that relevant information is available to all who need to have it, having due regard to the requirements of confidentiality.