§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many domestic violence refuges there are in Scotland; what plans he has to increase the total; what assessment he has made of the need for an increase in the number of such units; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 1 December 1993]: There are 42 women's refuges in Scotland. We believe that local authorities are best placed to assess the local requirements for refuges and to develop services accordingly. However, the Scottish Office is providing grant under sections 9 and 10 of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to Scottish Women's Aid to enable it to develop services and possible information and advice. The grant for the current year is £115,000.