§ The Question was as follows:
§ To ask Her Majesty's Government which voluntary organisations in the United Kingdom received or were offered financial aid from the EEC's own resources in 1973 and 1974 and in what amount; in which cases, if any, this affected the contribution made to their funds by Her Majesty's Government; and if they will give an assurance that any Community aid to voluntary bodies will in future normally be ignored in assessing the scale of Government aid.
§ The LORD PRIVY SEAL (Lord Shepherd)My Lords, I am not aware of any voluntary organisations in the social services field in the United Kingdom which received or were offered grants by the EEC in 1973 and 1974. The effect, if any, on grant aid from the Government of any Community aid that might be received by such bodies would depend on the purposes for which it was given and the circumstances as a whole. I cannot give the general assurance for which the noble Lord has asked.
Lord CHELWOODMy Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply, which, unfortunately, still leaves a question mark over this matter. As he knows, the United Kingdom received some £25 million, from a total sum of £100 million, from the Social Fund last year. Would it not be contrary, in principle, to the spirit of Community intentions to withdraw or reduce, or threaten to withdraw or reduce, a Government grant simply 878 because a grant had been made by the Community's Social Fund?
§ Lord SHEPHERDMy Lords, when grant aid is given consideration is given to the whole proposition, to the resources of the organisation. I have said that I cannot give an assurance, because all these matters need to be looked at. But if the noble Lord has any particular organisation in mind where there may be some doubt, then if he would like to see me I will see what I can do about it to put people's minds at rest.