HC Deb 04 April 1989 vol 150 cc95-6W
Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the estimated amount of extra grant aid needed by local authorities to implement the provisions of the Children Bill[Lords]; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

Discussions have taken place with the local authority associations about the additional costs to local authorities of the provisions of the Children Bill, and the estimates are set out in the financial memorandum to the Bill. The estimates and any further comments by the associations will be taken into account in determining the level of central Government support to local authorities at the appropriate time.

Mr. Cryer

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on the proposed timetable for the introduction of any Act resulting from the Children Bill[Lords]; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Mellor

I refer the hon. Member to the statement made by my noble and learned Friend the Lord Chancellor at Second Reading in the other place on 6 December at column 535.