§ Mr. GregoryTo ask Mr. Attorney-General, what is the Government's policy with regard to the Family Conciliation Service; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Government recognise the valuable contribution made in the area of family law by conciliation services. The Government are at present reviewing all aspects of divorce reform and conciliation is under review as part of that review.
§ Mr. BrazierTo ask the Attorney-General what is the level of Government funding for the principal family conciliation services; if he will list this by name of service and date since 1979–80; and whether he plans to conduct a reappraisal of its support for these agencies.
§ The Attorney-GeneralOther than the funding by the Home Office of the Bristol courts family conciliation service in 1982–83 and 1983–84, no direct or specific central Government funding is or has ever been available for conciliation services, although indirect help is provided through the courts, the probation service and the legal aid fund in some cases. The Government are reviewing the future of, and funding for, conciliation services as part of their consideration of proposals to reform the divorce law.