§ Mrs. Bainasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will define the role and powers of the Voluntary Ser- 500W vices Unit in Scotland and how it cooperates with Voluntary organisations in Scotland.
§ Mr. JohnI have been asked to reply.
The Voluntary Services Unit has the same general powers and responsibilities in Scotland as elsewhere in the United Kingdom, but its grant giving powers are limited because grant aid to voluntary bodies in Scotland is normally the responsibility of my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Scotland. Co-operation with voluntary organisations in Scotland is achieved primarily through the Voluntary Services Unit liaison officer at the Scottish Education Department and through links with the Scottish Council of Social Service, but it is open to any individual voluntary organisations to seek the advice or help of the VSU if it so wishes.