§ Sir Robert Rhodes JamesTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the total value of extra help provided by the Government for hospices over the last 12 months.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyThe Government have earmarked funds of £17 million this year to enable health authorities in England to increase the support they give to voluntary hospices, bringing the total estimated NHS contribution to £41 million. This is in addition to the cost of specialised palliative care services provided directly by the NHS, estimated at £21 million. These sums do not include social security benefits for hospice residents, which I understand the Department of Social Security does not separately identify.