§ Mrs. BeckettTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make it his policy to protect the financial situation of women's refuges in any changes resulting from the review of board and lodging payments; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. PortilloWe have commissioned a study by the Policy Studies Institute into the characteristics of hostels, including women's refuges, providing accommodation for income support recipients. We expect to receive the results shortly. In the meantime, no decisions have been taken on future arrangements for paying these claimants.