§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how much financial assistance he has provided to ChildLine in the past three years; and how much he is making available to ChildLine for the next three years. [70712]
§ Mr. HuttonChildLine were awarded a grant under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968 for a three year period in 1996–97. They received £183,000 in 1996–97, £173,000 in 1997–98, and £163,000 in 1998–99. ChildLine have also received a Section 64 Grant of £60,000 over the last three years for their special helpline for children in care.
We intend to award ChildLine a Renewal Core grant under the Section 64 Grant award scheme for the next three years. We will be making £187,500 available in 1999–2000, £180,000 in 2000–01 and £175,000 in 2001–02. In addition, we will be making £50,000 a year available for the three financial years 1999–2000, 2000–01, and 2001–02 so that ChildLine may provide a helpline for looked after children.