HC Deb 03 February 1986 vol 91 c33W
Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Paymaster General if he will list in the Official Report those voluntary bodies and organisations assisted by his Department with grant aid in the last financial year for which figures are available, and the size of the grant so given.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

My Department does not grant aid to any voluntary bodies or organisations. We do, together with the Manpower Services Commission, make substantial payments to voluntary bodies for running employment and training projects under Government programmes.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Paymaster General if he will list in the Official Report the governmental agencies to which his Department gives grant aid which in turn provide financial support for voluntary bodies and organisations, and the size of the grant so given in the last financial year for which figures are available.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

My Department gives a grant in aid to the Manpower Services Commission which in turn provides financial support for voluntary bodies and organisations. In 1984–85 the total grant to the commission was £1,436,467,000. The commission paid approximately £415 million to the voluntary sector through the community programme, the voluntary projects programme and the YTS, although the payment in respect of the community programme came from Department of Employment voted funds. There are other payments in addition which cannot readily be qualified.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Paymaster General if he will outline the steps which his Department takes to ensure that grant aid given to voluntary bodies and organisations, whether directly or indirectly, is not used for political purposes.

Mr. Kenneth Clarke

Neither my Department, nor the agencies for which it is responsible, grant-aid any voluntary bodies or organisations. However, payments are made to them in return for services given as sponsors of employment and training programmes. The agreements under which these payments are made usually require sponsors to ensure that their projects and programmes do not involve political activity, or have political objectives that could bring the programme into public controversy or disrepute. We regularly monitor programmes to ensure compliance with the terms of these agreements.