§ Sir Nigel Fisherasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make appropriate contingency plans to protect patients against any threatened industrial action by National Health Service ancillary workers.
§ Mr. Ennals:It is the responsibility of health authorities to make plans and arrangements locally to meet contingencies. Because the nature and impact of emergencies are so variable my Department has not in general issued standing instructions, but guidance is issued on occasions when advice on the need for special measures on the implications of 897W an emergency is judged necessary, and my officers are always ready to give health authorities such advice and assistance as they can.