§ 12. Mr. Ian Bruceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much the Government are making available in the current year for grants under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Security (Mr. Michael Portillo)In the current financial year the Department is planning to provide funding of more than £37 million to the voluntary sector, an increase of 82.5 per cent. in real terms since 1978–79. Of that money about £26–3 million is provided under section 64.
§ Mr. BruceI thank my hon. Friend for that excellent reply. Although I know he is aware that the new Chesil counselling centre in Weymouth is doing excellent work, can he confirm that, through section 64, the Government are giving funds to this type of project to support the work to overcome alcoholism and drug abuse?
§ Mr. PortilloSection 64 money is principally available for national schemes. I know about the Chesil counselling service, and I know that my hon. Friend is in touch with the county council about that service. We provide about £ ¾ million section 64 money to voluntary bodies concerned with alcohol abuse.