§ 27. Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science what further proposals he has for encouraging voluntary work among young people.
§ Mr. Denis HowellIn November, 1967, the Government launched the Young Volunteer Force Foundation, an independent organisation which has made a promising start in encouraging the development of local voluntary service schemes. In April last year a joint circular was issued making it quite clear to all statutory authorities that it was Government policy that such voluntary service by all reputable organisations should be encouraged. Currently we are conducting a survey of successful voluntary service practice, which will be published when complete.
§ Mr. CordleWould not the hon. Gentleman agree that many of the regulations covering voluntary service prevent young people from offering their services to the community? As the hon. Gentleman is responsible for this work, will he urge his colleagues to play a more positive rôle in their Departments to encourage voluntary work, by dealing with these restrictive regulations?
§ Mr. HowellI do not know the regulations which the hon. Gentleman is talking about, but if he draws my attention to them I shall be most anxious to examine them. All I can say is that the circular of April last year made it quite clear to all statutory bodies, hospital authorities, local authorities, and so on, that voluntary service to the community was a very proper object of public policy and that it was their duty to encourage it.