§ Mr. Rentonasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will now consider making a multi-annual grant to the Pre-school Playgroups Association; and what are the reasons for the delay in announcing the current year's grant.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Pre-School Playgroups Association was offered a grant of £361,000 for 1984–85 on 22 June. This grant is an exceptionally large one which it is more appropriate to review annually.
The delay in considering new and renewal applications this year arose because, despite an increased budget in real terms, the volume of applications made it necessary for us to look carefully at the overall pattern of grants.