HC Deb 03 March 1969 vol 779 cc27-8
27. Mr. Tom Boardman

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what capital projects in health and welfare have been deferred as a result of the reduction in the planned rate of growth in local authority expenditure announced in January last year.

Mr. Crossman

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my hon. Friend the Minister of State gave to the hon. Member for South Angus (Mr. Bruce-Gardyne) on 27th January.—[Vol. 766 c. 923–4.]

Mr. Boardman

If there was, as the Prime Minister announced in January 1968, a cut in planned growth, how is it that the right hon. Gentleman cannot identify the cuts made in that plan?

Mr. Crossman

This has been explained by the Minister of State. We leave it largely to the discretion of local authorities to choose the areas. I cannot give precise information about exactly what they have decided to defer and what not, but if the hon. Gentleman will put down another Question in a few weeks, I will give a little more information.

Lord Balniel

Surely this information should be made available to the House, because now, in addition to the cuts mentioned in the Question, there is a cut in the rate of growth of the rate support grant, which has been halved for next year. These are very important figures and should be made available.

Mr. Crossman

None of these is a cut. These are a slowing-down in the rate of growth and I will try to provide more information.

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