The Minister will no doubt be aware that on8 January, the funding for Peterborough Rape Crisis counselling group will end after 20 years, putting in jeopardy the fantastic work that the group does for women and girls who have suffered from sexual abuse or sexual crimes.

In my dual capacity as Minister for Equality and Minister for the East of England, I will have discussions with the Peterborough Rape Crisis centre, and I will look at the local and national funding issues.

I draw the House's attention to the valuable work of the Peterborough Rape Crisis centre, which is a registered charity that has helped thousands of women and girls in the Greater Peterborough area since its inception in 1983.

I commend the work of the Peterborough Rape Crisis care group based at Rivergate in Peterborough.