HC Deb 22 July 1980 vol 989 cc645-6W
Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will consider transferring funds from the National Health Service budget to ameliorate the shortcomings being felt in the care of the elderly and the mentally handicapped.

Sir George Young

In 1980–81, £61 million of joint finance has been made available from the National Health Service budget for spending on the personal social services and voluntary organisations. The greater part of joint finance is spent on the care of the elderly and the mentally handicapped. It is my right hon. Friend's intention in the future gradually to increase the level of joint financing.