§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what was the total sum granted to voluntary organisations in each of the years 1973–74, 197475, 1975–76, 1976–77 ; and what is the size of the grants budgeted for 1977–78, 1978–79 and 1979–80.
§ Mr. Guy Barnett:Departmental grants made available to voluntary organisations, other than housing associations, were as follows:
£ 1973–74 754,000 1974–75 644,766 1975–76 681,000 1976–77 654,000 Voluntary bodies were also among the recipients of grants for projects involving the conservation of ancient monuments, rescue excavations, and, on the advice of the Historic Buildings Council, for work in outstanding conservation areas and to outstanding historic buildings. In addition, the following bodies associated with the Department have powers to assist voluntary organisations: the Countryside Commission, the Development Commission, the Nature Conservancy Council and the Sports Council.
For 1977–78, grant aid is expected to be at about the same level as 1976–77. Final decisions have not been taken for the years after 1977–78. These will depend, among other considerations, on what proposals for financial assistance are received from voluntary bodies and how these relate to the policy objectives of the Department.
§ Mrs. Chalkerasked the Secretary of State for the Environment what current advice he has given to county, metropoli- 234W tan county, district and metropolitan councils grants to non-statutory orgnisations working within their own areas.
§ Mr. Guy Barnett:None.