§ 82. Miss Emma NicholsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further support he plans to provide to British voluntary agencies working in developing countries.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI propose, subject to parliamentary approval, to increase our support to voluntary agencies under the joint funding scheme by 50 per cent. next year to £9 million, and our support for the agencies sending volunteers overseas by more than 18 per cent. to £10.6 million. In addition, we remain ready to provide substantial support through the voluntary agencies for emergency and disaster relief.
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§ 84. Mr. BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of aid for voluntary agencies through the joint funding scheme for the forthcoming year; and how it compares with present levels.
§ Mr. Chris PattenI propose, subject to parliamentary approval, to increase next year's joint funding scheme budget to £9 million. That is an increase of 50 per cent. on this year's original allocation, which I have since increased by £0.5 million in recognition of the importance of the work of British voluntary agencies in developing countries.