HC Deb 10 March 1971 vol 813 cc123-4W
Mr. Carter-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland (1) if he will give the number per thousand of registered physically handicapped persons, in ranked order for each local authority, for the periods 1964–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69 and 1969–70;

(2) what was the annual average expenditure per person registered as physically handicapped in each local authority for the periods 1965–66, 1966–67, 1967–68, 1968–69 and 1969–70;

(3) if he is aware of the discrepancy in the expenditure per head of registered disabled persons in each local authority; if he will take action to improve the performance of the backward authorities; and if he will make a statement;

(4) if he will explain the discrepancy in the number per thousand of physically handicapped persons in the records of local authorities; if he will take steps to improve the registration techniques of authorities whose records are defective; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Gordon Campbell

This information is not available centrally at pre- sent but I am now receiving information on the numbers of physically handicapped persons receiving care or assistance from local authorities during 1970. Needs vary, of course, from person to person and from area to area. Provision has been made through the rate support grant arrangements for a substantial increase in expenditure on the social work services in Scotland.