§ Mr. Barnesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services to what extent the use by local authorities of their powers under the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 and the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act 1970 has resulted in an increase in the total number of cases in which help with telephone charges has been given.
§ Mr. AlisonDuring the year ending 31st March last in England and Wales and 31st December in Scotland, authorities gave help with telephone installations or rental charges in 31,624 cases. These figures include an unknown number of elderly persons in England and Wales not within the ambit of the 1970 Act. Figures in respect of earlier years are not available.