§ Mr. Ashleyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services until what date the Family Fund, administered by the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Trust, will continue its work in the service of handicapped children; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Alfred MorrisI am very pleased to be able to confirm to my hon. Friend that the trustees have now agreed to continue responsibility for the Fund's administration for an indefinite period. For our part, the Government have conveyed to the trustees our intention to maintain the fund at around the present level of expenditure. At the same time, we have undertaken to keep the present arrangements under regular review. I take this further opportunity to pay tribute to the Joseph Rowntree Memorial Trust for its consistently efficient and dedicated work in administering the fund. As my hon. Friend appreciates, its work has been of great benefit to very large numbers of severely handicapped children and their families.