Women's Refuges

HC Deb 07 December 1993 vol 234 cc191-2W

Mr. Cohen

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what progress she is making towards achieving a comprehensive network of women's refuge provision; in which borough areas such a provision currently does not exist; and if she will make a statement.

Mr. Sackville

Earlier this year, the Government published their response—HC 245—to the Home Affairs Select Committee's report on domestic violence. The Select Committee did not recommend that central Government should make more funds available to local refuges. Funding at a local level is a consideration for local authorities and other agencies who are best placed to make decisions on local need and provision.

The need for improved co-ordination of refuge provision is an area which will be given early consideration by members of the ministerial group on domestic violence at its forthcoming inaugural meeting.

Information relating to local refuge provision is not available centrally.