HC Deb 22 December 1997 vol 303 cc640-2
2. Mr. Laxton

How many meetings he has had since 1 May with members of voluntary organisations to discuss the voluntary sector. [20157]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. Alun Michael)

Since 1 May, when responsibility for the voluntary sector and for volunteering was returned to the Home Office, there have been more than 100 meetings with members of voluntary organisations involving myself or my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. We have also assisted Ministers in other Departments, notably the Department for Education and Employment, which has various initiatives, with wide-ranging consultation on policies that have a direct impact on the work of voluntary organisations.

Mr. Laxton

In my constituency there are many long-standing, vibrant and well-organised voluntary organisations. In the north of my constituency is a recently charter-marked sub-post office, where David and Mary Peters are developing a contribution to some embryo organisations and voluntary groups. If I may, Madam Speaker, I will pass on to you a woollen stocking that they asked me to present to you, in appreciation of an afternoon that they spent in the Strangers Gallery on the day when their charter mark was awarded; I have it here, and I think that it will fit very nicely on your mantelpiece.

Does my right hon. Friend think, like David, Mary and myself, that the move to the Home Office of responsibility for voluntary organisations is welcome, has already been successful and gives a far higher profile to voluntary organisations? Does he agree that the more co-ordinated approach has proved a success?

Mr. Michael

I take it that there is only one stocking, because it is meant to be filled by Father Christmas for you, Madam Speaker, rather than by your legs. I had better leave the subject at that point.

I agree whole-heartedly with my hon. Friend. The move to the Home Office of responsibility for the voluntary sector and volunteering gives my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, as the holder of one of the four great offices of state, the opportunity to put his weight behind our work in nurturing and working in partnership with the voluntary sector. We place a high priority on that, and I certainly welcome the opportunity to be involved in the work of that sector.

Mr. Peter Bottomley

I welcome the continuing partnership with the voluntary organisations. Some of the meetings will have involved the flow of funds from the national lottery; is it lawful now for any of the money to be diverted from the five main streams in the National Lottery etc. Act 1993?

Mr. Michael

It is not for me to comment on lottery policies, which are dealt with by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, but I know that many voluntary organisations receive money from the National Lottery Charities Board as well as from the other lottery streams. It is clearly good for the work of the sector to be nurtured in that way, and I know that my right hon. Friend is considering how to improve and increase the impact in a variety of ways.

Rev. Martin Smyth

While the Minister is talking about the role of the National Lottery Charities Board, will he bear in mind that many charities have been affected by the lottery and that there is at the same time a threat to charity shops in the tax proposals? Will he use his influence with the Chancellor of the Exchequer to ensure that those who volunteer are not endangered?

Mr. Michael

My right hon. Friend the Chancellor has a great interest in the voluntary sector, as was demonstrated by the speech that he gave a couple of years ago to the Charities Aid Foundation. I am certain that he will listen to the representations that are made to him on this matter, as on so many others.

Mrs. Brinton

Does my hon. Friend agree that the voluntary sector has a key role to play in rebuilding society, especially in welfare to work and in my constituency of Peterborough? Does he agree that our programmes prove that the Government, unlike the previous Administration, want an effective partnership with the voluntary sector?

Mr. Michael

I agree with my hon. Friend: there is no doubt about the wish to build that partnership. I am aware, from the meeting that I attended in her constituency some time ago, of the healthy and vibrant nature of the voluntary sector there. The voluntary sector will make a significant contribution to the new deal, which will give opportunities to young people both in the voluntary sector option and in the environmental task force, in which so many voluntary organisations will also be involved. That will give young people an opportunity and at the same time make a contribution to the community.