§ Mr. Bestasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he intends to introduce a scheme of aid for families with children aged under five years similar to that operating in England.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsI am pleased to say that from 1 April we shall be making available a total of £300,000 for the three financial years 1985 to 1988. Funds provided for the Wales under-fives initiative will be primarily used to support innovatory projects in the voluntary sector which provide practical help for those with special problems, such as low income, parents isolated at home who find it difficult to cope whether in rural or urban areas, ethnic minority parents and children in women's refuges. The scheme will be administered by the Department with the aid of an advisory group of representatives from the voluntary and statutory sector to whom applications may be made as from today.