§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Attorney-General when he expects his committee to report on a marriage conciliation service scheme; if he will give details of progress the committee is making; and if he will make a statement.
The Solicitor-GeneralI refer the hon. Member to the answers given to her previous questions on this subject on 8 March 1982—Vol. 19, c.348.]—and 15 June 1982—[Vol. 25, c. 240.]The committee of officials examining matrimonial conciliation services is expected to report to Ministers in March 1983.
§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Attorney-General what funds the Lord Chancellor's Department gives the Bristol conciliation marriage scheme; how much he proposes to give it in the financial year 1983–84; and if he will ensure that the scheme can continue until his departmental committee has reported on this matter.
The Solicitor-GeneralThe Lord Chancellor has no power to provide direct funding to the Bristol scheme. The Government are considering a request for further funding.