§ 39. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will increase the Government grant to the National Marriage Guidance Council, in view of the fact that it urgently needs more money to continue its work of preventing broken homes.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI attach great importance to the work of the National Marriage Guidance Council and the other organisations engaged in marriage guidance, and I intend to propose to Parliament in due course that the grants shall be increased by 50 per cent. in the financial year 1959–60.
§ Mr. FletcherI am sure the whole House will welcome this increase. May I ask the Home Secretary to bear in mind that it will go only a small way to solving the serious problems which 1359 this Council faces? Is he aware that if the Council is to do efficient work and save the State a great deal of money now spent on palliatives, such as child redemption and legal aid in divorce cases, even further grants may be required?
§ Mr. ButlerI met a deputation of hon. Members and others interested a few days ago when I indicated that I would do my best. I said I could not do the impossible. This is a substantial increase. I hope it will help the National Marriage Guidance Council, which I know is faced with heavy expense at the present time.
§ Mr. Gordon WalkerAlthough more may be done, is the right hon. Gentleman aware that everyone will be grateful to him for the increase which he has decided to make?