Short asked the Secretary of State for Social services what response he has sent to the St. Albans diocesan board for social responsibility about confirming the present funding of its link scheme for young offenders and if he will make a statement.

This scheme is one of those funded under the intermediate treatment initiative on the basis that grants would be time-limited. I can confirm that funding will continue to the end of the period. Representations from several sources in Hertfordshire including the diocesan board about an extension of funding are still being considered.