§ 9. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what he estimates will be the total public expenditure for the benefit of disabled people in 1972–73, compared with 1969–70, taking into account the further proposals in his statement on 31st March.
§ Mr. DeanNo comprehensive figures are available, but the expenditure in 1972–73 on social security invalidity pensions and allowances, attendance allowance, war and industrial disablement pensions and allowances is estimated at £378 mil- 1152 lion. The comparable expenditure in 1969–70 was £271 million.
§ Mr. LaneIs it not a fact that these encouraging figures reflect among other things, the first steps which the Government have taken to help disabled people? Can my hon. Friend confirm that before long the Government will disclose more of their plans, particularly in the light of the desperate needs revealed by the Survey of the Disabled, published today?
§ Mr. Carter-JonesWhile welcoming the increased assistance for disabled persons, may I ask the hon. Gentleman to cast his mind back to certain questions, which I put to him and which he answered in some detail in February and March last, regarding the number of disabled people not receiving help from various local authorities? Is not today's report a further indication of the amount of help still required? No matter how much the hon. Gentleman has announced today, are we not still only tinkering with the problem?
§ Mr. DeanYes, Sir. This is a joint effort, on the part of the central Government, local government and voluntary bodies, which is going to be necessary in order to deal with what in the past has been a big gap in our social service arrangements.