Social Reports of the German Federal Republic, 1970-71

In reoent years, a comprehensive picture of social aecwity expenditures zn the Federal Republic of Germany kaa been presented in the form of a “social report” to Parliament-a format that appears useful for presenting current aoczal welfare issues to the legialatrtrc and the public. This article gives the background of the reports and looha at those for 1970 aud 1971 in partzcular. It deacrlbea in some detail the two main parts of the documents: (a) the Uovernment Program, ~Ricl~ combines a atoclitaking of recent legislation with an account of steps taken toward mew meaaltrea, and (b) the Nocial Budget, ~01~2~1~ gives social security expenditures in tnco forma-an agency budget and a functlonal budget. Comparisons of this type of report with related publzcatrona of some other countries are made, and some broad aaaeaamenta of the reports are Lcluded.