§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what consideration he has given to the recently published report of the major survey of chronically sick and disabled people in the city of Newcastle upon Tyne, about which the Minister for the disabled attended a conference presided over by the lord mayor of the city on 9 July; if he will be drawing the report to the attention of other local and health authorities; and if he will make a statement on the report's findings.
§ Mr. NewtonI was pleased to attend the conference at which results of this survey were publicised. It is an example of the kind of co-operation between health and local authorities we have always encouraged. Information about the numbers and needs of disabled people is clearly of great importance, and this major study should be of interest to other health and local authorities. I am therefore ensuring that a reference to it is included in the Department's health and social service abstracts which are sent to all health and local authorities.