§ Baroness Crawleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
In the light of the Lord Chancellor's decision not to proceed with the implementation of Part II of the Family Law Act 1996, what proposals they have to provide divorcing and separating couples with access to the information, legal help, mediation and counselling services that they need. [HL1418]
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Irvine of Lairg)The Government continue to finance both mediation and legal advice and representation through the Legal Services Commission. I also provide funding for marriage and relationship support organisations, which will increase to £4.5 million in 2001–02 and £5 million in 2002–03. My officials are currently working with the Legal Services Commission in order to pilot proposals to tie these services more closely together in Family Advice and Information Networks which will be able to provide a range of information and help to those experiencing family problems, either directly or by referring them to other local support and information agencies. These proposals will build on research evidence in order to enable us to provide the information and help that people want at the time that they need it. We expect piloting to begin by October 2001.