§ Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is his policy concerning full-time fund raisers in the health and social service sectors paid for out of public funds; and if he will make a statement.
§ Sir George YoungLegislation is already before the House which will give health authorities the power to engage in fund-raising activities to supplement their exchequer funds. There may be occasions when a health authority will wish to employ someone to organise such activities; this will be a matter for individual authorities to decide. However, it is envisaged that health authorities' fund raising activities will be largely self-financing; and to this end the Health Services Bill includes provisions requiring that the first call on any funds raised will be to defray any expenses incurred in raising them.
Local authorities have powers enabling them to raise funds in certain circumstances. The extent to which they use them for the personal social services is a matter for them.