asked the Minister of Health if the intention of paragraph 5 of Circular 118/47 is to indicate that he is intending to rely upon voluntary contributions as well as increased compulsory contributions for the provision under the National Health Service Act, 1946, of services formerly provided by voluntary organisations.

No, Sir.

Does the Minister realise that the drafting of that paragraph has been considerably misunderstood and that there are some voluntary organisations which have agreed to come into the new scheme under the local authorities provided that they are not responsible for contributions? Can he elucidate this paragraph in a further circular to the authorities concerned?

I believe that the circular itself is fairly clear, but if there is any ambiguity I will certainly have it cleared up. I believe that the discussions which will take place over the next four or five months will serve to clear up any ambiguities which remain.

Will the Minister bear in mind that the plans of the local authorities for the services formerly provided by voluntary organisations have to be in early this month? The paragraph referred to in the question includes these words: Since there may well be a fall in voluntary contributions. which seems to imply that he is putting some reliance upon voluntary contributions for running this service.

I agree that there is an ambiguity.

Does not my right hon. Friend agree that there are some spheres where an amalgamation of the voluntary and official elements is very valuable and effective, and that this is probably one of them?

My hon. Friend will agree that under the health service we are extending the field of voluntary work enormously. What we are doing is to relieve voluntary organisations from the necessity of raising funds.