HL Deb 23 July 1987 vol 488 cc1482-4

11.21 a.m.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question standing in my name on the Order Paper.

The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have yet decided to make a grant for core funding for Phoenix House from sums allocated for the treatment of drug addicts and AIDS victims.

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, Phoenix House local projects have already been allocated over £1 million from the centrally-funded drugs initiative in recognition of the valuable work they do. We have also given very careful consideration to Phoenix House's application for a grant towards its headquarters' costs. However we were not convinced that a grant would secure improvements in the units which it is running or represent value for money in comparison with competing bids for funding.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, I thank the Minister for his reply. Is he aware that Phoenix House is the largest voluntary organisation providing treatment for drug addiction? In fact 45 per cent. of those who are treated by NGOs are treated by Phoenix House. Is the noble Lord aware of some of the advances that we are making in terms of the first purpose-built family unit and new extensions to the extra four centres that we are already providing? Is he further aware of the contribution that we are now making to the treatment of AIDS, because of drug addicts being subject to AIDS? How does the noble Lord think that an organisation like this, with these responsibilities in this field, can sustain itself for a central administration which, of course, is absolutely urgent and essential to fulfil the tasks that we have taken on with the co-operation of the Government?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, we fully acknowledge the substantial contribution which Phoenix House is making to the development of services for drug misusers across the country. We are recognising this by allocating it grants totalling over £1 million over the period 1984–89 under the central funding initiative. Indeed it is receiving more funds under the initiative than any other single voluntary organisation.

Baroness Seear

My Lords, perhaps I may be allowed to support this Question. I speak having an interest, because I am chairman of APEX, which works closely with Phoenix House. I should like to ask the Minister to look again very carefully at the whole question of core funding, because monies made available—and this applies also to APEX—frequently do not carry core funding. However, without adequate headquarters' support it is impossible to maintain the work going on all over the country to deal with drugs and rehabilitation work. All grant bodies seem to ignore the fact that core funding, however economical one is, is absolutely essential.

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, I should particularly like to thank the noble Baroness for her most sensitive and sensible remarks. Of course the Government always keep a very strict eye on core funding.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, I am also extremely grateful to the noble Baroness who, much better than I, said what I wanted to say. Will the Minister agree to look at it again? Is he aware that Mrs. Edwina Currie came down and had a look at Lewisham House? She had a long talk with the officers, of whom I am one. She was very impressed with what she saw and seemed to give the green light, as we hope, to some core funding. May I ask again: how does the Minister think that an organisation like this, dealing with a problem that is high on the priority list of an organisation, can provide its core funding? Does he not agree that each time we set up a new unit there is more to support and therefore there is a need for more trained people to serve centrally?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, I am indeed aware of the visit of my right honourable friend to Phoenix House. I would also add that the Government are very aware of the plight and the tragic circumstances of those who contract the AIDS virus. Inevitably, therefore, there are bound to be heavy demands on government for financial assistance. However, government must at all times maintain a sense of proportion and balance with regard to the amount of financial assistance that they may decide to give to any one organisation.

Lord Glenamara

My Lords, will the noble Earl dissociate the Government from a full page advertisement which appeared in the press last week, which was in the worst possible taste and gave great offence to the Jewish community in this country?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, I regret that that question is somewhat wide of the mark.

Lord Ennals

My Lords, I hope that that was not in any way related to Phoenix House.

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, I fear that I cannot answer that question.