§ 15. Rear-Admiral Morgan-Gilesasked the Secretary of State for Prices and Consumer Protection when he intends to make his decision concerning future development grants to assist citizens advice bureaux ; and whether he will make a statement.
§ The Minister of State, Department of Prices and Consumer Protection (Mr. John Fraser)I announced the future of our grant assistance to the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux on 16th November in answer to a Question from my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Ladywood (Mr. Sever).
§ Rear-Admiral Morgan-GilesCan the Minister say how far ahead the bureaux can look to be assured of their support from the Government? After all, they have a very important job to do.
§ Mr. FraserI agree that they have a very important job to do. That is why this Administration have given them more support in real terms than any previous Administration. There was originally a five-year development grant. That has been extended until 31st March 1981. One would hope to make a review of the advice services and reach other decisions before 1981.
§ Mr. Ioan EvansDoes my hon. Friend agree that the bureaux are doing an excellent job in informing people of the many increased social benefits that have been introduced by the Government, and that they can deal with many of the problems that would be brought to Members of Parliament if they did not exist?
§ Mr. FraserThat is true. Many people would not be receiving the benefits to which they are entitled if they did not have that source of advice. The help of the bureaux will be extremely useful in a forthcoming campaign over rebates, associated not only with fuel costs but with rents and rates.