§ Mrs. PeacockTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what sums will be allocated for reconciliation services as a result of the Family Law Act 1996; and if such funds will be used solely for reconciling the couple to remaining married. [8186]
§ Mr. StreeterThe Lord Chancellor announced on 6 November that he was inviting tenders for a programme of pilot projects in order to identify types of service with particular potential for reducing the incidence of marriage breakdown and its consequent cost. Tenders have been invited from marriage support organisations. All valid bids will be evaluated on merit after 17 January 1997. Funding under the programme will be available for a range of marriage support services, including marriage preparation. The sums allocated will depend on the number of bids received which meet the pilot programme objectives.