HC Deb 18 March 1996 vol 274 cc4-5
3. Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what steps he is taking to ensure that voluntary organisations in Wales receive adequate assistance from his Department during the 1996–97 financial year. [19375]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales (Mr. Gwilym Jones)

The voluntary sector plays a key role in meeting the Government's aims. We shall continue to assist it.

Mr. Michael

I am glad to hear the Minister's acknowledgement of the importance of the voluntary sector. Is he aware that this year, in particular, the financial constraints on local government, together with the pressures of local government reorganisation, are making it very difficult for local authorities to provide the support and continuity that the voluntary sector needs to fulfil the requirements to which the Minister has paid tribute?

Does the hon. Gentleman accept that the Welsh Office should be playing its part in trying to smooth the transition to ensure that the work of voluntary organisations throughout Wales continues to receive whole-hearted support and continuity in the finances necessary to do their job?

Mr. Jones

The hon. Gentleman and I are in full agreement on the principles involved. During 1994–95, the last financial year for which full figures are available, the Welsh Office either directly or indirectly supported the voluntary sector to the extent of £24 million. For the coming financial year, through the Wales Council for Voluntary Action and the county volunteering councils, support for volunteering in Wales will increase by 30 per cent.

Dr. Spink

Does my hon. Friend accept that in Wales, as in the rest of Great Britain, the voluntary sector represents all that is good and characteristic of a unique British tradition? Will he join me in welcoming the fact that the resources available to the volunteering in Wales fund will be increased during the coming year by 55 per cent?

Mr. Jones

My hon. Friend is correct. We all acknowledge and applaud what the voluntary sector does in Wales. I had the opportunity last night at Duffryn house to support Ely home start, which is yet another example of the way in which the voluntary sector adds a real human face in Wales—far more than could even the most compassionate bureaucrat. I hope that that will continue.

Mr. Ron Davies

Will the Minister join me in commending the work of the voluntary organisations that have been involved in the clean-up following the grounding of the Sea Empress, most notably the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Dyfed Wildlife Trust? Will he in particular ensure that they are not financially penalised for their public-spiritedness?

Does he understand that the greatest assistance that he can give them is an assurance that the Government will do everything in their power to prevent the recurrence of such an accident? To that end, will the Government bow to the request of the overwhelming majority of opinion in Wales—Members of Parliament, local authorities and voluntary organisations—and agree to the establishment of a fully independent inquiry into how the accident happened, and the adequacy of the Government's response?

Mr. Jones

The last part of that question has been well dealt with already. On the voluntary organisations, I join the hon. Gentleman in applauding what they have done. The Government are committed to trying to ensure that anyone who has suffered as a result of the accident will have the opportunity to claim compensation. As he should know, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has announced transitional arrangements to help the process along.