HC Deb 20 June 1961 vol 642 cc1149-50
11. Mrs. Hart

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he is taking to ensure that adequate financial assistance is given to the promotion of facilities for youth and community organisations in new towns.

Mr. Brooman-White

The development corporations of the three new towns are authorised to contribute up to 50 per cent. of the capital cost of community facilities in the new towns, including those specially intended for young people. Also, in a recent circular on youth service my right hon. Friend announced a new scheme of capital grants to assist local voluntary youth organisations whether in new towns or elsewhere.

Mrs. Hart

Is the Joint Under-Secretary of State aware that one of the difficulties, in a new town, such as East Kilbride, where many organisations—for example, the Churches—are doing a splendid job, is the difficulty of starting up an effective youth organisation and that there is trouble in qualifying for the capital grant under the Secretary of State's scheme? Could the Minister consider giving capital grants to new projects where they seem worth while and likely to succeed?

Mr. Brooman-White

I understand that in East Kilbride new efforts which have been made to set up suitable organisations are progressing favourably.