HC Deb 04 June 1984 vol 61 cc38-9W
Mr. Foulkes

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will bring up to date the reply given to the hon. Member for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley on 14 December 1983, Official Report, column 509, indicating (a) any new grants that have been awarded, (b) any grants that have been cut, (c) any grants that have been increased and (d) any grants that have remained the same.

Mr. Newton

I shall let the hon. Member have a reply as soon as possible.

Mr.Frank Field

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if there has been any delay in the payment of grants by his Department to voluntary bodies; and if he will make a statement.

Mr.John Patten

Payment of approved grants has not been delayed, but there has been some delay in considering new and renewal applications. This is because despite the funds available for our general scheme of grants to voluntary organisations having increased by 10.5 per cent. in real terms from 1978–79 to 1984–85 the current volume of applications has made it necessary for us to look carefully at the overall pattern of grants to ensure sensible priorities.