HC Deb 12 December 1984 vol 69 cc539-40W
Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he is satisfied with the timetable allowed to district health authorities to prepare their strategic plans.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

The amount of time allowed to districts is a matter for regional authorities to decide upon. I am not aware of any existing general problem. If the hon. Member has a particular instance in mind he should write to the chairman of the appropriate regional health authority.

Mr. Pike

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) what representations he has received regarding the timetable arranged for the submission of strategic plans by regional health authorities;

(2) if he will extend the timetable for submission of strategic plans by the regional health authorities.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

We have held discussions with regional health authorities where they have told us they may have a problem in meeting the deadline for submission. As a result, it has been agreed that five regions may submit their plans after the original deadline.

Mr. John Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated total for 1984–85 of mortgage interest paid for recipients of supplementary benefits.

Mr. Whitney

I regret that an estimate for 1984–85 is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. I refer the hon. Member to my reply of 22 October to my hon. Friend the Member for Mid-Staffordshire (Mr. Heddle), at columns510–11, which gives the latest available information.