§ Mr. GrieveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken by his Department to provide funding for C-Far in Okehampton, Devon; and if he will make a statement. [35531]
§ Beverley HughesA payment of £150,000 from the Criminal Justice System Reserve for 2001–02 has been approved as a contribution to the continuing costs of the C-Far "Life Change" programme and will be paid before the end of March. C-Far have also made an application for a further £1.9 million from the Criminal Justice System Reserve in 2002–03. A decision on this application has been deferred pending receipt of an interim evaluation report from C-Far and resolution of outstanding concerns regarding a full, independent assessment of the programme' s effectiveness in reducing re-offending. The national probation service and the Prison Service jointly have set aside £20,000 to assist with the cost of such an independent evaluation.