§ Mr. HoyleTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what discussions he has had on allowing hospices to apply for lottery funding. [84061]
§ Ms BlearsDepartment officials have been closely involved in discussions on the eligibility of hospices to apply for lottery funding. I am content that the results of a widespread and public consultation exercise undertaken by the New Opportunities Fund indicated the possible merits of applications for lottery funding from hospices.
The New Opportunities Fund Board is responsible for the operation of the fund. Support for adult hospices has been made by the fund under the Living with Cancer 764W programme and further funding is being made available for adult community palliative care services and children's hospices. I understand that a number of hospices have applied to the Fund through this programme and that decisions on applications will be announced in the new year.