§ 37. Mr. E. Fletcherasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he intends to reduce by approximately one-half the existing annual grants to the National Marriage Guidance Council and similar organisations.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeIn view of the present need for stringent economy in public spending, I came to the conclusion that I should not be justified in proposing larger grants for the financial year 1952-53 than are provided for in the Civil Estimates.
As regards the future, the question whether it would be possible to increase the grant in future years will receive my consideration in the light of the circumstances then obtaining.
§ Mr. FletcherDoes not the Home Secretary think that there is some inconsistency about the fact that, at a time when the State is spending about £1,200,000 a year on the legal aid system, and providing facilities for divorce, this quite small grant to this Council should be reduced?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfePart of the grant still remains. I am receiving a special report on a certain aspect of the matter and I am quite prepared to consider it again.