§ Mr. LeighTo ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department what initiatives his Department has taken to assist marriage support services. [56950]
§ Mr. HoonThe Lord Chancellor's Department currently provides core funding to six marriage support and research organisations. For the financial year 1998–99 further funding has been given to eight pilot and research projects. Nearly £3 million has been allocated this year. The Lord Chancellor has commissioned an independent review of the Department's funding of marriage support. Details will be announced shortly. The results of the review will assist the Lord Chancellor in developing a strategy for the effective allocation of resources to marriage support services.