§ 6. Mr. KnoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the value of grants from his Department to voluntary organisations in each of the past three years.
§ The Minister of State, Welsh Office (Sir Wyn Roberts)The latest available figures, at outturn prices, are £8.96 million in 1987–88, £9.35 million in 1988–89 and £11.66 million in 1989–90, a real terms increase of some 14 per cent. over the period.
§ Mr. KnoxBy how much have grants increased in Wales since 1979 and how many organisations are in receipt of grants?
§ Sir Wyn RobertsI am delighted to tell my hon. Friend that since 1979–80 Welsh Office support has trebled in real terms, and some 320 voluntary bodies now benefit. It is the Government's policy to have a healthy and vigorous voluntary sector.