§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will detail the items represented by other changes in paragraphs 11 and 12, respectively, of Table 15 in Command Paper No. 7049-I; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. MoyleFor 1976–77, the figure classified as "other changes in paragraph 11 of Table 15 in Cmnd. 7049–1 represents the difference between the forecast expenditure shown in Cmnd. 6721 and the latest outturn figures. The reasons for this difference are set out in paragraphs 1 and 13 of Chapter 11 of Part 2 of Cmnd. 7049-II. For the years 105W 1977–78 to 1979–80 inclusive, the "other changes" arise from the net effect of estimating changes, mainly in the cost of family practitioner services plus minor additions to the programme. The figure of £142 million for 1980–81 also includes the amounts required for demographic change, as foreshadowed in the footnote to table 2–11 of Cmnd. 6721-II, forecast expenditure on the family practitioner services and additional capital expenditure, mentioned in paragraphs 11 and 17 of Chapter 11 of Part 2 of Cmnd. 7049-II, and makes some allowance for constantly improving medical techniques.
In paragraphs 12 of Table 15 of Cmnd. 7049-I, the figures classified as "other changes" represent the net effect of changes in the economic and demographic assumptions.