§ Miss. LestorTo ask the Secretary of State for Health on what grounds the funding commitment for the Open House hospice in Manchester, for people with HIV and AIDS, was reduced in October 1993 from the figure announced in March 1993; and on what grounds no money for the hospice has yet been released by the North Western region health authority.
§ Mr. SackvilleThe initial sum was approved in principle on the assumption that a full independent assessment of the need for palliative care across the region had been carried out, and that the need for an HIV specific hospice had been established. As this was not the case, a sum of £750,000 has been allocated to North Western region to carry out a thorough assessment of palliative care for all client groups in the region and to implement the report's recommendations.
My noble Friend the Under-Secretary of State will write in more detail to the hon. Member about this matter and a copy of her letter will be placed in the Library.