§ Mr. Kirkwoodasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what information he has as to the number of telephones installed by social work departments on the basis of medical need in each relevant local authority area in Scotland and in England and Wales in the last year for 53W which figures are available; and if he will estimate the installation costs and the additional annual cost of meeting the standing charges for these telephones.
§ Mr. John PattenInformation is not centrally available in the exact form requested. Data on the number of clients receiving assistance with the installation of a telephone, and on the net overall expenditure on telephones (installation and rental together) by each local authority in England and Wales are contained in "Personal Social Services Statistics 1983–84" published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy. Copies of this are in the Library. Information on provision in Scotland is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland.