HC Deb 20 May 1981 vol 5 cc92-3W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether his Department has undertaken any studies about the impact of rising unemployment on the demand for personal social services.

Dr. Vaughan

No. This aspect is not covered in the Department's current research. The Department is considering what further research is required into the relationship between unemployment and health and use of health and personal social services.

Dr. Roger Thomas

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, further to the answer of the hon. Member for Ealing, Acton (Sir G. Young) on 5 May, Official Report, c. 7, regarding the maintenance of spending upon personal social services by local authorities for 1980–81 at the 1979–80 level, whether this is in absolute terms; and, if not, what is his estimate of the percentage increase in population (a) in total and (b) over 75 years of age over the two years concerned.

Dr. Vaughan

Local authority spending on the personal social services in 1980–81 is expected to be at about the same level at constant prices as in 1979–80. Details of actual expenditure will not become available until the early autumn.