§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what account will be taken of spending levels in England in the Children Order. [10314]
§ Mr. MossThe level of spending on personal social services for children following introduction of the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 will reflect local circumstances and priorities in Northern Ireland. No meaningful comparison can be made with the spending levels of local authorities in England.
§ Rev. Martin SmythTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) how much additional money will be spent in implementing the Children Order in Northern Ireland; [10312]
(2) what impact the saving requirement that boards are expected to make will have on the amount available to service the requirements of the Children Order. [10313]
§ Mr. MossBefore taking final decisions on allocations to boards and efficiency savings targets for 1996–97, no comment can be made on the amount available to service the requirements of the Children Order.