asked the Minister for Local Government and Public Health if he will now indicate when the promised White Paper, outlining the Government's proposals for reorganisation and extension of the existing public health and medical services, will be issued.

The publication of the Government's proposals for a reorganisation and extension of the existing public health and medical services must await the setting up, in the near future, of a Department of Health and the appointment of a Minister for that Department.

Is there any particular reason for withholding the White Paper until the new Department is set up?

Surely. The responsible Minister must be in a position to bring his mind to bear on these problems.