HC Deb 05 May 1998 vol 311 cc273-4W
Mr. Öpik

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what plans he has to increase the funding of the National Mediation Service; and if he will make a statement. [40128]

Mr. Hoon

There is no National Mediation Service. There are, however, a number of national organisations, to which local services are affiliated, of which some have recently received grant in aid funding for projects which will be overseen by the Legal Aid Board. These projects are essential to the development of quality assured mediation services across England and Wales. They also support the UK College of Family Mediators and National Family Mediation in their role of advancing public awareness of family mediation, and in setting, promoting and maintaining the highest standards of professional conduct and training among family mediators.