§ 90. Mr. BATEYasked the Minister of Labour if he will state on what grounds it is intended to give £15,000 instead of £10,000 to the National Council of Social Service; and can he give the names of the officers and committee of the National Council of Social Service?
Mr. HUDSONAs the reply to this question is somewhat long, I will, if I may, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.
§ Following is the reply:
§ The Supplementary Estimate adopted in December provided for an initial grant of £10,000 for assisting the voluntary provision of occupation for unemployed persons. It is proposed to make to the National Council of Social Service a grant of £7,500 for administrative purposes. It is understood that no part of this sum will be spent by the council on strengthening its own organisation and that it will be used to assist the organisation of other national bodies whom they propose to ask to undertake definite work on their behalf, and to strengthen the organisation of certain regional social service bodies. It is also proposed to make provision to enable the council to provide assistance in promoting schemes of occupation for unemployed persons either directly or through the organisation of other national and regional social bodies whom they may invite to act on their behalf. A sum of approximately £15,000 will be required for this purpose. Each Government grant to the council is made on the understanding that a corresponding amount is raised from other sources. The Estimates already passed by the House will be sufficient to meet any payments to be made up to the 31st March. Provision for the ensuing period will be included in the 638 Estimates for the next financial year. I am sending the hon. Member a list of the names of the officers and members of the Unemployment Committee of the National Council of Social Service as at present constituted.