§ Mr. SarwarTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will make a statement on the Government's support for Women's Aid and its plans for additional support in the future. [74885]
§ Mrs. LiddellOur concern for the victims of domestic violence is reflected in Scottish Office funding of almost £220,000 this year to Scottish Women's Aid, the umbrella organisation for local women's groups. This consists of over £83,000 for work on developing refuge and permanent rehousing options for abused women who would otherwise be homeless, over £111,000 for the social welfare aspects of their work and £25,000 for training.
Because our advertising campaign has had an immediate impact on the demand for the services of Scottish Women's Aid, I announced on Monday 22 February the provision of extra one-off funding of £150,000 in the current financial year. Women's Aid intend using this to improve services and to publish leaflets at national level for the use of local groups dealing with inquiries.
We have committed £226,000 to Scottish Women's Aid for 1999–2000.
I have also established the Scottish Partnership on Domestic Violence which is charged with recommending minimum standards of services provision and looking at resources.
From 1 July 1999, this will be a matter for the Scottish Parliament.