§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied that the increases in rate support grant negotiated with local authorities for spending on the chronically sick and disabled are adequate to meet the need for improved local services revealed by the implementation so far of Section 1 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephIt is not possible to say because rate support grant is distributed as a block grant and not in separate amounts for specific services. Estimates of expenditure for 1973–74 based on implementation so far of Section 1 of the Act will be taken into account in the rate support grant negotiations later this year.
§ Mr. Alfred Morrisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will now set a date by which all local authorities 440W must fully report to him on their methods of implementing the provisions of Section 1 of the Chronically Sick and Disabled Persons Act, 1970, and on the success they have achieved.
§ Mr. AlisonWe have asked for first reports by 1st May next. In the light of these reports we will consider when to seek additional information.