§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that no ill-effects will arise as a result of his proposals for deputising services such as will affect (a) those deputising services which are at present well run with proper staff and (b) sick patients who need medical attention during weekends, nights and public holidays.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeYes. I have published my proposals for consultation. I am receiving comments on a wide variety of points and I will ensure, in drawing up the final circular, that no threat is poised to the viability of well-run deputising services of the required standard. My objective is to secure the best possible service to patients at all times. I shall take no step unless I am satisfied that it will help to secure that objective.