§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will increase the funding of rape crisis 157W centres; and if he will draw up guidelines for the provision of such centres where they do not exist in cities with a population of 50,000 or more persons.
§ Mr. WhitneyThe London rape counselling and research project is the only centre receiving financial support from this Department. This was the first centre of its kind in this country, and it was recognised when our support commenced that some proportion of its work would be given over to national publicity and promotional work in the field of counselling and to the provision of a consultative and advice service to others setting up similar services elsewhere. The grant has been made to support these activities.
Financial support for the local work carried out by this and other centres is a matter to be considered by local authorities, some of whom we understand have already made grants.
The provision of centres in cities where they do not already exist is a matter for local decision and we have no plans to draw up guidelines.