§ Mr. Leadbitterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what was the total increase in hospital and social service costs during 1973 in the Northern Region arising from value added tax ; and what estimate has been made for 1974.
§ Mr. AlisonFor the personal social services provided by local authorities VAT is refunded ; but the revenue allocations to the hospital service for 1973–74 were increased to take account of the introduction of VAT. The additional allocation to the Newcastle Regional Hospital Board was £1.3 million.