§ Mr. Teddy Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what estimate he has made of the effect of public expenditure curbs on the ability of social work departments to carry out their functions under the Social Work (Scotland) Act.
§ Mr. MillanThere will be minor reductions in the capital programme for 1977–78 and 1978–79. Since the rate support grant for 1977–78 is related to an estimate of relevant expenditure which provides for an increase in expenditure on social work services, local authorities will have to 661W reduce their current expenditure on social work only to the extent that the 1976–77 estimates have been exceeded, or that priority is accorded to other services.