§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total expenditure of National Health Service funds that has been appropriated through joint financing for local authority social service projects in the West Midlands; and what is the total expenditure of National Health Service funds that have been appropriated through joint financing for local authority social service projects in the town of Walsall for each year since 1974.
§ Mr. MoyleThe West Midlands regional health authority reports that its total joint finance expenditure—most of which will be on personal social services projects—was £0.24 million in 1976–77—the first year of the joint finance arrangements—and £1.56 million in 1977–78. It is estimated that £4.2 million will be spent in 1978–79. Corresponding figures for Walsall area health authority are £35,000, £92,000 and £161,000. Information about the town of Walsall is not available centrally.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many men and
1978–79 1978–79 1979–80 Per cent. Per cent. Per cent. General Medical Services … … … Nil Nil Nil General Dental Services … … … 23.0 19.4 20.9 (provisional) (estimated) (estimated) General Ophthalmic Services … … … 34.7 33.9 33.2 (provisional) (estimated) (estimated) Pharmaceutical Services … … … 3.8 3.1 2.9 (provisional) (estimated) (estimated) We are very conscious of the importance of prevention. It is the intention of the Government to phase our prescription charges when economic circumstances and resources available to the Health Service permit. Other charges are kept under regular review.