§ Mr. Gordon Wilsonasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what is his estimate of local government expenditure on direct assistance for the disabled in each of the past five years at current prices; and what has been central Government expenditure in the same period.
§ Mr. FairgrieveInformation on the wide range of cash benefits and services available to handicapped people in Scotland is contained in the booklet prepared by the Scottish Office, the Department of Health and Social Security and the Employment Services Agency entitled "Help for Handicapped People in Scotland", of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy. Local authorities provide day care, domiciliary, residential and direct support services while central Government assist762W by providing social security benefits; medical, nursing, social care and remedial therapy; help with employment problems, special housing and educational needs, and, through the National Health Service, aids such as artificial limbs, wheelchairs, invalid vehicles, and environmental control equipment. Detailed information about expenditure on assistance for the disabled by local authorities is not available centrally and similar information about central Government expenditure could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.