HC Deb 02 July 1976 vol 914 cc328-9W
Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland what steps he takes to ensure that the money given to voluntary organisations is used in a manner for which such grant was made; and what system of monitoring is applied to present and projected schemes.

Mr. McElhone

Officers of my right hon. Friend's Departments keep in close touch with grant-aided voluntary organisations about their functions and activities. Projected schemes are thoroughly studied before grant is offered. In the case of capital grants for the construction or adaptation of buildings or the purchase of equipment, etc., receipted accounts must be submitted before grant is paid. My right hon. Friend also reserves the right to recover part or all of any grant should the use of premises be changed or should other grant-aided facilities be disposed of. Revenue grants are given either in respect of the appointment of specific officers or towards general administrative expenses. Full payment of grant is made only after the examination of audited accounts.

Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland if he is satisfied that grants given to voluntary organisations arc being used in such a way as to provide benefit in every part of Scotland.

Mr. McElhone

The grants made by my right hon. Friend are normally directed towards the headquarters expenses of national voluntary organisations, and he is satisfied that these grants are in general of benefit to Scotland as a whole. In addition, in certain circumstances, grants may be made towards the cost of purely local projects put forward by voluntary organisations.

Mr. Robertson

asked the Secretary of State for Scotland how many voluntary organisations which are in receipt of Government grant and operating in Scotland restrict their activities in terms of race or religion.

Mr. McElhone

No voluntary organisation to which my right hon. Friend gives grant restricts its activities in terms of race. A number of grant-aided organisations are connected with particular religious denominations or bodies; but, wtih the exception of certain establishments providing education for children, the facilities which they offer are normally available to all.