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

The system employed for the distribution of central Government support for local authority services has changed substantially since 1979; it is not possible therefore to give comparable figures on how much was available in that year and the current year. Expenditure in 1978–79 by local authorities in the northern region, and resources available for 1993–94, including community care, are shown in the table. Increases over the 15-year period will have been subject to population and boundary changes. For the region as a whole, the increase in expenditure reflects that for England and demonstrates the Government's commitment to the development of personal social services.