§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales (1) whether copies of circulars and application forms for public funds involving voluntary organisations in Wales are normally distributed to them directly by his Department; and, if not, when this practice ceased and for what reasons;
(2) how voluntary organisations in Wales are informed of public funds for which they can apply.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsSupport for voluntary organisations from public funds is given under various statutory powers which are public knowledge and the Welsh Office is open at all times to inquiry about the availability of grant. Inception of a special scheme of grant aid is usually announced in a departmental circular detailing the method of application and copied to voluntary organisations which might wish to be involved. Applications for urban programme grant are invited in an annual circular to local authorities who are asked to distribute copies to local voluntary organisations. Copies are also sent directly to some voluntary organisations known to have an interest. The distribution is kept under review, but any voluntary organisation can be included on request.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is his estimate of the amount of funding to be made available in each year to 1984 by his Department to voluntary organisations in Wales; and if he will indicate this at constant prices.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsWithin the terms set by the Government's strategy on cash limits for public expenditure we hope to continue to make funds available at about the present level at constant prices.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales if he will list in the Official Report voluntary organisations active in Wales with whom his social work, health and education departments have contact.
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§ Mr. Wyn RobertsThe Department has regular contact with the voluntary organisations which are grant aided by the Welsh Office. These were listed in the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend, the Member for Woolwoch, West (Mr. Bottomley) on 16 July 1979.—[Vol. 970, c.396–97.]—No record is kept of other voluntary organisations with which the Department may have contact from time to time.
§ Mr. D. E. Thomasasked the Secretary of State for Wales when he last met representatives of voluntary organisations in Wales.
§ Mr. Wyn RobertsMy right hon. Friend met the chairman of the Council of Social Service for Wales on 6 September 1979 and the chairman, vice-chairman and the secretary of the Wales Association of Voluntary Councils on 19 November 1979.