HC Deb 25 July 1983 vol 46 c275W
Sir Brandon Rhys Williams

asked the Prime Minister if she will examine and make an estimate of the administrative savings that could be achieved by an amalgamation of the functions, staffs and premises of the regional offices of the Department of Health and Social Security with the housing and social services departments of local authorities, together with the disposal value of those premises which would then be superfluous.

The Prime Minister

Although I can see the attraction of what my hon. Friend suggests, it would almost certainly involve heavy medium term costs. Given the many calls on public expenditure, I do not think a study of the sort he proposes could be justified.