HC Deb 27 April 1981 vol 3 cc293-4W
Mr. Peter Fraser

asked the Secretary of State for Employment what voluntary organisations in Scotland have applied for grants under the European Economic Community social fund; how many and which of them were successful in their applications; what were the amounts of the grants made; and what reasons were given where the applications were unsuccessful.

Mr. Peter Morrison

Two voluntary bodies in Scotland have so far submitted eligible applications for assistance from the European social fund. One of these, the Scottish Craftsmanship Association Limited, received an allocation in 1977 of £58,979. The other application relates to 1981 and a decision is awaited.

Applications to the fund by voluntary organisations in respect of eligible schemes are welcomed, and all of them are forwarded to the European Commission for consideration. However, few voluntary bodies appear to operate schemes which come within the scope of the social fund, since their work is mainly concerned with welfare rather than with training for employment. To be eligible for support from the fund a scheme run by a private body must in most instances also be in receipt of a grant from a public authority.