§ Mr. Donald Stewartasked the Secretary of State for Scotland on what date the amount of the annual budget for grants and loans for village halls under the Physical Training and Recreation Act 1937 was last raised; and when he proposes to make the next increase.
§ Mr. William RossSince 1st September 1971 all new offers of capital grant to local voluntary youth and community organisations for social and recreational facilities have been made under the Further Education (Scotland) Regulations 1959. These offers have increased from £193,000 in 1971, including £44,000 for village halls and community centres, to £509,000 in 1974, including £229,000 for village halls and community centres. I intend to continue to assist social and recreational projects by local voluntary bodies as far as economic circumstances permit.