§ Mr. Bruce-Gardyneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it was deemed appropriate to increase the grant-in-aid to the Equal Opportunities Commission by 35 per cent. in the current financial year; and whether he plans to restore it to no more than its 1978–79 levels, in money terms, in the next financial year.
§ Mr. RaisonThe grant-in-aid for the Equal Opportunities Commission in 1979–80 is £0.35 million lower than the provision made in the Supply Estimates published in March 1979 and reflects substantial savings on staff and other378W items. The grant is higher than that in 1978–79 because of the effects of inflation; the payment of bills submitted too late for inclusion in expenditure for 1978–79; a reduced number of staff vacancies; and the cost over a full year of staff in posts which were approved late in 1978. Figures for the next financial year will be published in the Supply Estimates in due course: they will reflect the continuing determination of the Government and the commission that its activities should be carried out with the maximum economy and efficiency.