HL Deb 11 June 1968 vol 293 cc3-4

2.38 p.m.

LORD ROBERTSON OF OAKRIDGE

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what progress has been made by the Young Volunteer Force Foundation; what emoluments are to be paid to the Director and his principal assistants; and what practical results have so far been achieved.]

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, since the setting up of this scheme was announced in another place on November 14, 1967, I understand that the Foundation have been engaged in determining their general lines of approach, for which purpose they have appointed an Advisory Council composed of people with experience in the field of voluntary social service, in setting up their headquarters, and in recruiting staff and planning their training. By the end of this month, the Foundation will have a staff of 19 young people and the first field team will have started its training. The salaries paid to their staff are a matter for the Trustees. The Department of Education and Science, the Ministry of Health, the Home Office and the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, have issued a joint circular, Voluntary Community Service by Young People, which has led to an increase in requests to the Foundation for advice and help from local authorities and voluntary bodies. On Monday next the Prime Minister will hold a reception at 10 Downing Street to mark the inauguration of the Foundation and the commencement of its first field projects at Newport (Monmouthshire), Newcastle, Derbyshire and Gloucestershire.

LORD ROBERTSON OF OAKRIDGE

My Lords, I thank the Minister for that detailed and informative reply. I should like to ask two short supplementary questions. My first question is: how is the Foundation progressing in raising the considerable sum of money that it will need when the Government grant is exhausted? Secondly, does the Minister think that if in about six months' time I asked a Ques- tion similar to the one I have asked to-day she would be able to give more concrete information as to what has actually been achieved?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, so far as the question of the funds is concerned, as the noble Lord will remember there was an initial grant. I am afraid that I cannot give him the information as to how voluntary money is coming in at the moment, though I am quite sure that this could be obtained, and I should be happy to do that for him. So far as the noble Lord's other question is concerned, with such an excellent staff I feel sure that in six months time I shall be able to give the noble Lord a great deal more information.

LORD HUNT

My Lords, following the Answer given by the noble Baroness to my noble friend's original Question, would the Minister say what liaison is maintained between the Young Volunteers Force Foundation and the other community service bodies at national level?

BARONESS PHILLIPS

My Lords, I understand that the liaison is of an informal nature, but is quite good; and as the noble Lord will know, the Advisory Council is made up of people, many known to me personally through my own connection with voluntary social service, who give their time and their help as and when required, while still preserving the quite youthful nature of the original members of the Foundation.