§ Mr. Viggersasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the likely results of the public expenditure cuts on the extent and quality of social service provision.
§ Mr. Peter Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what will be the likely results of the public expenditure cuts on the extent and quality of social service provision.
§ Mr. MoyleThe changes in public expenditure announced by my right hon. 33W Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 22nd July and 15th December 1976 reduced planned capital expenditure on the personal social services by £3 million in both 1977–78 and 1978–79. In addition, about £6 million has been transferred to current provision as part of the rate support grant settlement for 1977–78. These reductions in capital expenditure will reduce the number of additional facilities that can be provided but will not have any significant effect on services. I have suggested to the local authorities that the general strategy should be to protect field and domiciliary services at the expense where necessary of other services.—[Vol. 915, c. 2010–32; Vol. 922, c. 1525–37.]