§ Mrs. Renée Shortasked the Secretary of State for Social Services when he expects to be able to announce his 140W response to the document entitled "Violence Against Women", which has been submitted to him by the National Women's Commission.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe report "Violence Against Women" was recently sent to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, by the co-chairman of the Women's National Commission, my hon. Friend the Member for Medway (Mrs. Fenner). The report's recommendations concerning women's aid refuges are being carefully studied and inquiries made of the Department of the Environment concerning urban programme funding. I expect to be able to respond shortly to the commission's co-chairman. I shall write to the hon. Lady at the same time.