§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many local authorities have given support for the setting up of refuges for battered wives.
§ Mr. Alec JonesI understand that so far about 30 local authorities have either given help or have indicated their willingness to do so.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many battered wives are currently being accommodated at refuges.
§ Mr. Alec JonesDuring the quarter ending 31st March 1974, the latest date for which figures are available, a total of 352 families were admitted to temporary accommodation provided by local authorities following family disputes between husband and wife or cohabitee; a proportion of those disputes would arise from marital violence. In addition there are the women and children accommodated by voluntary groups.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much money has been allocated from central Government sources for the provision of aid for battered wives; and whether the Government intend to increase this sum.
§ Mr. Alec JonesUnder last year's urban aid programme approval was given for grants to two organisations in London. 85W In Hounslow the grant amounted to £10,315 a year for a minimum of five years plus £3,450 for initial expenses. The grant to a project in Camden was £9,300 plus associated running costs for a minimum of five years—25 per cent. of the cost of these grants is born by the local authorities concerned. Under this year's programme, consideration is now being given to several applications for urban aid from groups assisting battered wives.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what special provision exists for the children of battered wives who have fled the family home.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThe usual social work and educational services provided by statutory authorities are available and in one London borough urban aid has been granted to provide playgroup facilities.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what provision is being made for long-term help for battered wives.
§ Mr. Alec JonesMy Department is continuing to co-operate with the other Government Departments involved in seeking more information about the sorts of help which those who have suffered violence in the home need and the Select Committee which is to be set up soon will no doubt make recommendations on what action ought to be taken.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether she intends to provide additional social security and legal aid to women who have fled the family home as battered wives and are economically destitute.
§ Mr. Alec JonesThe Supplementary Benefits Commission has the power to make immediate payments of supplementary benefits where entitlement exists; the amount of the payment would depend upon the circumstances of each individual claimant. I understand that legal aid is at present readily available to women who find themselves in this position.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many refuges have been set up for battered wives.
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§ Mr. Alec JonesApart from any temporary accommodation provided by local authorities, I have heard that more than 20 refuges have now been set up by voluntary groups.
§ Mr. Georgeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many battered wives she estimates there to be in England and Wales.
§ Mr Alec JonesThe National Citizens' Advice Bureaux Council has estimated that in the course of a year 25,000 inquiries would be received by all their bureaux on the subject of "battered women". Various studies are proceeding which may throw further light on prevalence.