§ 46. Mr. Cyril D. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what replies he has received so far to his consultation paper "Opportunities for Volunteering"; and if he proposes,to take further steps to encourage voluntary action in future years.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe consultation paper has aroused widespread interest. A number of voluntary organisations have informally expressed concern that initiatives taken in 1982–83 with the help of the £3.3 million available in that year should not cease at the end of the year. As the paper makes clear, it is too early to decide whether further central Government funding will be available, but it does suggest ways in which the existing allocation might be spread into future years.