§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much his Department spent in the past 12 months on education and publicity aimed at countering discrimination against disabled people; if he will set out in the Official Report full details of the expenditure incurred; and how much is to be spent in the financial year 1983–84.
§ Mr. RossiIt is not possible to isolate expenditure for this purpose. A key aim of Government policy is to promote the integration of disabled people by increasing public awareness of their problems and abilities, and breaking down the barriers they often face. Ministers take every opportunity to emphasise this and it is reflected in a whole range of activities carried out not only by Government Departments and other statutory authorities, but also in the support the Government give to disability organisations in the voluntary sector.
§ Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much higher in real terms social security expenditure is estimated to be on the disabled in 1982–83 compared with 1978–79.
§ Mr. RossiBenefit expenditure on disabled people and the long-term sick, as defined in table 2.12.2, page 62 of "The Government's Expenditure Plans 1983–84 to 1985–86", Cmnd. 8789-II, was 9 per cent. higher in real terms in 1981–82 than in 1978–79. Expenditure cannot be expressed in real terms for 1982–83 until the overall increase in prices during 1982–83 is known; in cash terms it is expected to be 19 per cent. higher than in 1981–82.