§ 23. Mrs. Virginia Bottomleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services, what representations he has received concerning the future and funding of the Portman clinic; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WhitneyRecords show that, since October 1985, only two representations including this inquiry had been received at 19 May 1986 about the future and funding of the Portman clinic.
The Government are acting to bring to an end uncertainty that has surrounded the future and funding of both the Portman and Tavistock clinics. An independent group has now reported on the role of the clinics. A second report has looked at how resources are currently used. Both reports have recently been consulted upon. Ministers will shortly be considering the results of consultations and how best to resolve outstanding issues over the future and funding of the clinics.