§ Dr. Owenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the latest figures for the total capital programme for the mentally handicapped; how this is split between (a) training centres, (b) residential homes and (c) hospital services; and what plans he has to change these figures in the near future in real terms.
§ Mr. John PattenFigures for the year 1983–84 are set out below. It is not possible from information collected centrally to provide separate figures for local authority training centres and residential homes, nor to provide a figure for capital expenditure by health authorities on community provision for mentally handicapped people.
Planned local authority capital expenditure on homes, day centres and clubs for mentally handicapped people: £13 millionPlanned capital expenditure on hospital services for mentally handicapped people: £29 millionIn addition, health authorities will be able to spend part of the £94 million set aside for jointly financed schemes on projects for mentally handicapped people in 1983–84. A complete breakdown of £94 million between the various priority services is not available centrally.
The Government do not determine spending on individual services. It is for health and local authorities to decide their expenditure on particular items within the framework of national policies and priorities.