§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, pursuant to his reply to the hon. Member for Wolverhampton, North-East on 5 December on fundings of projects for alcoholism, what representations he has had, and from whom, requesting that funding remain with his Department and not in future with local authorities; and if he will reconsider the decision to make local authorities responsible for funding and maintain his Department's support.
§ Sir George YoungRepresentations have been received from hon. Members, voluntary organisations, individuals and 795W two deputations led by the noble Lord, Lord Soper, which included members of CHAR—the Campaign for Single Homeless People—the Federation of Alcoholic Rehabilitation Establishments—FARE—and NACRO—National Association for the Care of Offenders—and Prevention of Crime. While there have been some requests for permanent central funding of hostels for alcoholics, many have been for an extension of the pump-priming scheme under the Department's circular 21/73 for a further two years.
I hope to make a further statement before the Christmas Recess.