§ Q7. Mr. Ashleyasked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Secretary of State for the Environment and the Secretary of State for Social Services concerning the effect of revaluation for rating on social services.
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir.
§ Mr. AshleyIn view of the fact that many social service projects to help the disabled will be butchered as a result of the Government's policy of revaluation, does the Prime Minister intend to stand aside and allow this to happen or will he now intervene to ensure that projects to help the disabled are preserved by local authorities?
§ The Prime MinisterI cannot give an all-embracing undertaking of that kind. I am sure the hon. Gentleman recognises that the Government have very great sympathy with social service projects of this sort. I myself opened a magnificent one in Newcastle only 10 days ago. I think that that is a sufficient guarantee that we we shall do all we can to help.
§ Mr. MarksWill the Prime Minister confirm that after the monitoring by the Department of the Environment the rate demand in cities like Manchester will be reasonable in view of their social problems?
§ The Prime MinisterIt is not for me to to confirm a judgment of this kind. It must be for the electors in Manchester.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWill my right hon. Friend confirm that the present Government have done more for the disabled than many of their predecessors—[HON. MEMBERS: "Any."]—and that this Government will continue to protect the disabled against the effects of inflation?
§ The Prime MinisterYes, Sir. We have pledged ourselves to do this for old-age pensioners, for Service pensioners and for the disabled. It is now widely recognised that this Government have been able to do more than their predecessors, especially for the disabled.