§ Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what are the criteria used to judge whether a charity organisation providing a service to the public is eligible for a grant by her Department.
§ Dr. OwenI would refer the hon. Member to my hon. Friend's reply to my right hon. Friend the Member for Dartford (Mr. Irving) on 12th June.—[Vol. 893, c.241.] Under Section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968, my right hon. Friend is able to give grants to voluntary organisations in the health and social services field which are providing a service which she or a local authority must or may provide, or a similar service. We attempt to judge each case on its merits, in the light of departmental policies and objectives for the service concerned, and of available resources.