HC Deb 06 December 1993 vol 234 cc85-6W
Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on his policy regarding the provision of financial assistance to hospices in each of the past five years; when the provision of matching funding to hospices started and ended; how much in both capital and revenue terms was made available to hospices under this scheme; what financial support is now available; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Stewart

[holding answer 1 December 1993]: The 13 voluntary sector hospices in Scotland have benefited since 1 April 1990 from the Government's funding initiative under which at least 50 per cent. of their running costs are met from public funds. This initiative, which initially ran for three years, but has been extended until 31 March 1995, is a transitional measure designed to enable the hospices and health boards to work together to construct a sound basis for contractual relationships and future development. Public funding in the current financial year amounts to some £6 million. The initiative does not extend to capital costs.

Mr. McMaster

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what measures he has taken to support the campaign for children's hospices in Scotland.

Mr Stewart

[holding answer 3 December 1993]: Since the campaign was first drawn to our attention, the Government have consistently acknowledged the case for the establishment of a national children's hospice in Scotland but have taken the view that the voluntary sector was best placed to take this initiative forward. We have accordingly recognised the Children's Hospice Association Scotland—CHAS—as the national body responsible for the project and have awarded it a grant of £25,000 per annum towards their core administrative costs.

The Government's decision to make a contribution to the running costs of the children's hospice itself was announced on 26 November, Official Report, column 272. CHAS is receiving a special grant of £250,000 in each of the current and two subsequent financial years, making a total Government contribution to running costs of £750,000.