§ Mr. Tim Smithasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, in view of the written assurance given to the British Youth Council on 31st March 1977 that a total of £6,933 was being transferred to the council, if he will now make arrangement for the payment of this sum less the £2,600 instalment already paid.
§ Mr. LuardAs I told the hon. Member on 20th May, parliamentary approval has yet to be sought for the proposed grant in aid. It has been possible to make an advance of £2,600, and the balance in respect of the period to 30th September will be paid as soon as Parliament has approved the Summer Supplementary Estimate. Correspondence between my right hon. Friend's Department and the British Youth Council on matters of administration cannot override the requirement for such approval.