HC Deb 17 June 1996 vol 279 c511
10. Sir David Knox

To 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. [31655]

Mr. Jonathan Evans

The latest available figures at outturn prices for direct grants are £12.3 million for 1992–93, £14.1 million for 1993–94 and £13.8 million for 1994–95. In addition, indirect grants are paid via other bodies.

Sir David Knox

Does my hon. Friend agree that that is a cost-effective form of public expenditure? Can he tell me by how much expenditure has increased since 1979, and how many organisations are in receipt of it?

Mr. Evans

I have a sheaf of information about the individual bodies that have been funded by the Welsh Office, directly and indirectly, but, in view of the time factor and your strictures, Madam Speaker, I shall send a full note of that information to my hon. Friend. I am grateful for his recognition of, and support for, the important work done by the voluntary sector in Wales, which we in the Welsh Office fully recognise.