asked the Secretary of State for Wales in what way the thirtieth anniversary of the National Health Service will be celebrated in Wales; and what he estimates will be the Welsh costs of the celebrations.
In Wales the 30th anniversary of the introduction of the National Health Service, the National Insurance, the National Assistance and the Children Acts will be marked by two small receptions for representatives of those who have contributed to the development of these services. There is to be a commemorative scholarship for the 1978–79 academic year related to the development of health or personal social services. In addition, health and local authorities have discretion to organise local celebrations by way of "open days", for example, but I have advised them of the need to avoid undue expenditure.Detailed estimates of cost are not yet available, but the major item will be the scholarship, costing up to £7,000. The receptions should not cost more than £500 in total.