§ Ms. PrimaroloTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what was the total government funding to voluntary hospices in the last 10 years.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe Government greatly appreciate the contribution which the voluntary hospice movement makes to the provision of specialised care and support for the terminally ill and their families. Our commitment to the movement has been shown by the allocation of funds to regional health authorities to enable them to increase their support.
In 1988–89, and 1989–90, there were one-off payments to voluntary hospices. Funds were allocated to the hospice movement, through the charity 'Help the Hospices' as a one-off award to help hospices facing financial dificulties. In 1988–89, payments were made to help with the costs of nurses' pay awards. Since 1990–91, the Government have allocated funds annually to regional health authorities specifically to enable them to increase the support they give to voluntary hospices. Since 1991–92, funds have also been provided to ensure the supply of drugs to hospices without charge.
Funding since 1988 is as follows:
£ million 1988–89 1.4 1989–90 0.4 1990–91 8.0 1991–92 20.2 1992–93 38.2 1993–94 42.9