§ 12. Mr. Knoxasked the Secretary of State for Wales how much will be given in grants to voluntary organisations by his Department during the current financial year.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe total provision for 1984–85 is £8.7 million. However, although grants have already been offered to some organisations, others are still under consideration. It is therefore too early to say what will be the total amount paid in grants during the financial year.
§ Mr. KnoxWhat is my hon. Friend's general policy towards the voluntary sector and, in particular, the mental handicap strategy?
§ Mr. RobertsWe are fully committed to the development of a healthy and vigorous voluntary sector working in partnership with the statutory services. The voluntary sector has an important part to play in connection with the mental handicap strategy. In addition to providing £445,000 for specific voluntary projects in connection with the strategy in 1984–85, we are providing a further grant of £22,575 for essential administrative support for the all-Wales standing conference of voluntary organisations involved in the strategy.