§ Mr. Shersbyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the total cost of the sex therapy service to be introduced by the Marriage Guidance Council in Rugby; and if she will indi- 542W cate the sum to be contributed by her Department.
§ Dr. OwenThe National Marriage Guidance Council is undertaking a small feasibility study which will attempt to assess whether it is possible to train lay counsellors to give effective help to married couples with sexual difficulties. The study will take two years, and whether or not the council extends its work in this specialist field will depend upon the outcome.
My Department is giving a grant for this study of £8,316 in the current financial year, £8,662 in 1975–76 and £1,100 in 1976–77. I understand that the National Marriage Guidance Council will incur indirect costs of the order of £3,500-£4,000.