§ Mr. Gerald HowarthTo ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many marriage counsellors funded(a) partly and (b) wholly by the Government, there were in the UK in (i) 1970, (ii) 1980 and (iii) 1999; and what was the cost. [120660]
§ Jane KennedyIn the financial year 1999–2000 the Lord Chancellor's Department spent £3.2 million on marriage and relationship support. Grant-in-aid is given to the central bodies of the main marriage support and research organisations towards expenses incurred in the development of training and support to local services, including the selection, training and supervision of counsellors, and administrative costs.
In line with Sir Graham Hart's recommendations in his report on Marriage Support Funding (November 1999), the allocation is being increased to £4 million in 2001–01; £4.5 million in 2002–02; and £5 million in 2002–03. Figures for 1970 and 1980 are not readily available and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.