HC Deb 27 November 2002 vol 395 c346W
Mr. Paul Marsden

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on increasing resources for child protection in connection with child pornography material seized by police. [83177]

Jacqui Smith

Between 1996–97 and 2002–03, the Government increased social services funding by more than 20 per cent. in real terms, and will make further annual average real terms increases available of 6 per cent. between 2003–4 and 2005–6. The Government is spending £11 billion on personal social services this year, 2002–03. It is, however, up to local authorities with social services responsibilities, in the light of their assessments of children's needs within their area, to decide how to allocate this money.