§ Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what checks have been applied to local authority spending in Wales on health education and social services, respectively; and if he will estimate the monetary value of these checks.
§ Mr. John MorrisLocal authorities have been asked to limit their expenditure in 1975–76 only to what is strictly necessary to meet inescapable commitments. The implications for health, education and social services of local authorities generally are set out in Welsh Office Circular 282/74.
For 1976–77 local authorities have been told in Welsh Office Circular 142/75 that there is no scope for an increase in total 481W in real terms in current expenditure over that which it is estimated they will spend in 1975–76. The circular also offers authorities advice on the implications for each service of an overall standstill in expenditure. The effects on individual services will depend in each case on decisions by the authority concerned.
§ Mr. Wyn Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales by what percentage it is estimated that (a) Government and (b) local authority expenditures in Wales have increased to date during the current year.
§ Mr. John MorrisIssues from the Consolidated Fund for the period 1st April 1975 to 30th September 1975 as published in theLondon Gazette on 7th October 1975 show an increase of 47 per cent. over those for the corresponding period of 1974. Returns for local authority spending are on an annual basis and a similar comparison cannot, therefore, be made.