asked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) how many home-start schemes exist in Wales; and how many are receiving financial assistance through central Government funds;(2) what is the level of central Government assistance to the Rhymney Valley home-start scheme; and what estimates exist for funding up to 1988, in cash and constant terms;(3) what has been the annual level of funding, in constant terms, for the home-start consultancy in Wales since 1981; and what estimates are availabe up to 1988;(4) what local or central Government funding is available to home-start schemes in Wales other than central funding of the home-start consultancy.

The home-start service is not extensive in Wales and there is no consultancy here. There are two projects under way in Aberconwy and Rhymney Valley which have received £2,000 and £11,900, respectively, under the opportunities for volunteering scheme. The latter project also received £2,500 from Mid-Glamorgan county council, and the council has recently submitted an application for urban programme assistance on behalf of Rhymney Valley home-start for funding in 1986–87.