HC Deb 08 February 1982 vol 17 cc274-5W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) how many rape crisis centres there are; and in which towns;

(2) what funds he makes available for rape crisis centres and for sexual assault services or research; what discussions he has had, if any, about this and with whom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Comprehensive records of the number, location and nature of rape crisis centres and other similar services provided by voluntary organisations are not kept by this Department.

The rape counselling and research project has received grants from this Department since 1978 under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. The current grant of £10,000 per annum was agreed in April 1981 for a two-year period. The grant is made to support the project's national work for example counselling women who get in touch from districts where there is no rape crisis centre, nationwide publicity and promotional work in the field of counselling, and a consultation and training service for others who might wish to set up a counselling service.

As an essential aid to these services the project maintains a record of, and contact with, centres throughout the country. Under the Act funds for local work may be granted by local authorities, and we understand that a number of rape crisis centres in fact receive such grants.

I have had no discussions on these matters outside this Department.