To ask the Secretary of State for Health how much was available to councils for spending on personal social services in 1979; what is the amount provided for 1993–94; and if she will make a statement.

Expenditure on local authority personal social services increased by 69 per cent. in real terms between 1978–79 and 1992–93. Standard spending for personal social services in 1993–94 including the special transitional grant for community care, is £5,585 million, an increase of 15 per cent. on 1992–93.