§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what progress he has made towards achieving a comprehensive network of women's refuge provision; what was the outcome of the consideration by Ministers of the need for improved co-ordination of refuge provision; what information he has about local authorities without a refuge in their area; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Robert B. JonesThe provision of women's refuge is best decided by local authorities and other agencies taking into account issues such as the local supply of housing available for short-term use in emergency situations. The ministerial group on domestic: violence met on 17 May and discussed, among other issues, the need for a centrally co-ordinated policy on refuge provision. The Group agreed to consider this further at its next meeting.
The Department does not hold information about the: number of local authorities without a refuge in their area.