§ 20. Mr. Robert B. Jonesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on Government policy towards the voluntary sector.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe Government's policy is to create the conditions in which a healthy and independent voluntary sector can work in an effective partnership with statutory services and private enterprise to meet 376 community needs. We especially value the contribution of volunteers, and the self-help and mutual aid that characterise so many voluntary groups.
§ Mr. JonesWhile I welcome what my hon. and learned Friend has said, may I ask him to make it clear, when meeting voluntary bodies, that the Government regard the voluntary sector as important, not just from the point of view of recipients, but from the point of view of work done by the volunteers themselves in promoting their own interest?
§ Mr. WaddingtonWe shall certainly take every opportunity to make that clear.