§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health (1) how many people have used the National Information Centre in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement; [170605]
(2) how much the National Learning Disability Information Centre and Helpline has cost to set up; and if he will make a statement. [170200]
§ Dr. LadymanThe National Learning Disability Centre and Helpline was launched in December 2001. In 2002, the Helpline answered 6,482 enquires. The equivalent figure for the period from January to December 2003 was 10,522.
The Department acid Mencap each gave £250,000 per year to run the National Learning Disability Centre and Helpline from 2001 until March 2004. We have recently confirmed that Government funding will continue for another two years from April 2004. The first year's allocation included set up costs.