§ Mr. Terry Walkerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she has any immediate plans to restore the cuts in the social services programme made by the previous Government.
§ Dr. OwenThe increased expenditure proposed on pensions, food and housing has been given priority, and as my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer said in his Budget Statement he cannot at this time budget for any net increases in other programmes in the coming year, following the reductions announced on 17th December, desirable as this would be in other circumstances. The Government will consider the further reshaping of expenditure programmes as the situation becomes clearer; and within the limits of the health and personal social services programme my right hon. Friend has already provided for free family planning and for relief from prescription charges for children aged 15 and women aged 60–64.