Mr. Jim Callaghanasked the Secretary of State for Education and Science if she will make a statement on the administrative arrangements for 1978–79 and subsequent programmes of capital grants for Voluntary Youth Service, village hall and community centre projects; if the envisaged changes will lead to a diminution of grants to voluntary projects; and, in the light of the opposition to the proposed changes already expressed by voluntary bodies, if she will meet representatives of relevant voluntary bodies.
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§ Miss Margaret JacksonThe practical implications of arranging for capital assistance towards these projects to come wholly from local education authorities, instead of partly from them and partly through the Department of Education and Science as at present are currently being studied by my Department in the light of views expressed by the various interested bodies. If any change were made in current arrangements the aim would be to make the future level of public support for these projects depend upon the local education authorities' judgment of priorities. The views of the voluntary interests will be taken into account before a decision is taken.