British Youth Council

HC Deb 17 July 1980 vol 988 cc672-3W

Mr. Sproat

asked the Secretary of State for Education and Science how his Department monitored the money it gave in 1979 to the British Youth Council; and whether he is satisfied that this year's grant is compatible with the Government's policy to reduce public expenditure.

Mr. Macfarlane

Representatives of Her Majesty's Inspectorate attend British Youth Council executive committee meetings and serve on the steering groups monitoring the work funded by my Department. The organisation is required to submit to the Department annual reports, and accounts certified by auditors that the grants have been properly spent.

The grant for 1980–81 was settled with due regard both to the need for economy in expenditure and to the importance which the Government attach to the youth service and to the particular activities of the British Youth Council. I am satisfied that the level of grant chosen is entirely appropriate.