§ Mr. Laurence RobertsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to provide funding for centres for deaf and blind people(a) in Gloucestershire and (b) nationally; and if he will make a statement. [73136]
§ Mr. HuttonMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has no plans to provide specific funding for centres for blind or deaf people. It is for local authorities to determine how their funds under the standard spending assessment should be spent. Gloucestershire County Council's personal social services resources will increase by 6.5 per cent. next year.