asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what guidance he has given local authorities in regard to their charging for home helps, telephones for the blind and disabled, home nursing aids, incontinence pads and similar necessities; and if he will now introduce a specially designated grant to local authorities relative to these items.

Apart from the advice relating to charges for home helps referred to in my reply to the right hon. Gentleman the Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) on 24 March, I have given no guidance to local authorities on charges for these services, which in terms of the statutes concerned are a matter for the discretion of the individual authority. My right hon. Friend has no plans for a specific grant.