asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what further financial assistance he is extending to social work departments for the provision of day care facilities for mentally handicapped children; and if he will make a statement.

Loan charges and running costs on these and other social work facilities are relevant expenditure for rate support grant purposes. My right hon. Friend has asked local authorities to take account of the need for day care facilities in drawing up proposals for the future development of the social work services. Four new day care centres are under construction and my right hon. Friend expects shortly to authorise starts on two more.