asked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what action is he taking to increase community care for the elderly, mentally ill and handicapped people.

We are increasing the amount of joint finance in 1980–81 by 16 per cent. at comparable price levels over 1979–80, in accordance with previous plans; and we are constantly emphasising the potential benefits of voluntary provision and community self-help. Both these policies should help authorities to maintain the trend towards community rather than institutional care for elderly, to help with reorganisational planning, mentally ill and mentally handicapped people.