§ Mr. Morganasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the amount of grant-aid, if any, which he has given in (a) the financial year 1979–80 and (1)) the current financial year to the South Wales anti-poverty action centre through the medium of his Voluntary Services Unit; for what specific purposes any such aid has been given; and whether, before authorising the giving of any such aid, he considered fully the accounts and activities of that organisation.
§ Mr. RaisonGrants paid by the VSU to the South Wales anti-poverty action centre attract retrospective contributions of 50 per cent. from the Commission of the European Communities. In 1979–80 the VSU grant totalled £68,750. £57,800 has so far been paid during this financial year. The object of the centre is summarised in the contract with the EC as being to provide advice and support to self-help groups.
In accordance with the funding practice of both VSU and EC, the centre has regularly presented reports of its activities and finances which have been taken into consideration in recommending further funding.
The EC programme ends on 30 November. Payments after that date will be decided after I have considered reports which I asked for following representations made to me.