§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Departent what payments have been made by the Equal Opportunities Commission to outside bodies from its current budget; and what is the total sum available for such payments.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe Equal Opportunities Commission has powers under Section 54 of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 to assist other bodies to undertake research and educational activities. I am informed that during the financial year 1976–77 the Commission has made the following grants to other bodies:
£ National Council for Civil Liberties 5,000 Spare Rib 3,772 Virago Press 3,250 Fawcett Society 3,000 Brent Community Law Centre 1,000 Rights of Women 3,000 Women's Research and Resources 3,000 The total provision for expenditure under Section 54 is £40,000; this covers research and educational activities undertaken by the Commission itself and those undertaken by the bodies listed above.