§ Mr. Robin F. Cookasked the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial support was given in 1974, 1975 and 1976 23W by (a) his Department (b) local authorities to assist in the provision of accommodation for released offenders; and what financial support (i) his Department and (ii) local authorities intend to provide in the financial year 1977–78 for this purpose.
§ Mr. McElhoneGrants paid by my Department to voluntary organisations to assist in the provision of accommodation for persons in need, including released offenders, in the financial years 1974–75, 1975–76 and 1976–77 were, respectively, £24,529, £46,399 and £31,468. Some £80,000 has been provisionally set aside for this purpose in the financial year 1977–78. It is not practicable to identify separately the extent to which use is made by released offenders of accommodation receiving grant support. Information is not available centrally about the financial support given for this purpose by local authorities.