Statutory funding pays for 28 per cent of the cost of running adult hospices, but in children's hospices it averages only five to six per cent.
In response to an early day motion raised by Lindsay Hoyle, Labour MP for Chorley, health minister Stephen Ladyman claimed the difference in the services provided to adults and children justified the varied funding.
He said: "Adult palliative care tends to involve end-life provision whereas children's palliative care tends to involve long-term provision, respite or emergency care and managing chronic conditions.
"It is therefore important that primary care trusts ensure that there is proper balanced provision and full availability of home care in their area."
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