One of the major conclusions of the Foster Report was that there was a strong case for legislation in the United Kingdom to control the practice of psychological medicine. Following the publication of that Report in December 1971, the Department of Health & Social Security invited comments. At a meeting, held on 24th May 1974, at the initiative of the British Psycho-Analytical Society, between officials of the DHSS and representatives of seven organisations representing practitioners of psychotherapy, Sir John Foster's recommendations were further discussed. Following that meeting, the Department in a letter dated 22nd January 1975 suggested that the organisations concerned might wish to consider establishing a joint Working Party which could develop the proposals in more detail in consultation with others.