HC Deb 16 March 1937 vol 321 c1868W
Mr. C. Wilson

asked the Minister of Health whether he is aware that the expenditure in respect of mental deficiency which has fallen upon the rates of county and county borough councils has risen from £694,390 in 1929–30 to £2,031,949 in 1932–33; and whether he can explain the causes for such an increase?

Mr. R. S. Hudson

The figures quoted by the hon. Member do not represent the real position. The expenditure by local authorities amounted in 1929–30 to £1,500,244 and in 1932–33 to £2,191,847. An Exchequer contribution to the cost was paid in both years, in the former as a direct grant of 50 per cent. of expenditure, in the latter as part of the block grant. The increase in total cost shown by the figures I have quoted is due to the fact that it is a growing service and more attention is now being paid by local authorities to the matter.