HC Deb 21 December 1982 vol 34 cc424-5W
Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what practical steps he has taken to establish that the Community Projects Foundation is doing its work effectively, efficiently, and with economy, and that it continues to fulfil a useful purpose in accordance with the requirement stated in "Non-Departmental Public Bodies: A Guide for Departments".

Mr. Raison

A major review of the Community Projects Foundation was carried out during 1980. In the light of that review, a new three-year funding agreement has been brought into effect this year.

Inter alia the agreement provides that the foundation's trustees should have a greater involvement in decision taking and that their meetings should be attended by a senior official of the Department's voluntary services unit.

We are satisfied that detailed changes in the foundation's working arrangements and the closer contacts with the Department's officials which are also a feature of the new arrangements will ensure that the guide's requirements will be met.

Mr. Philip Holland

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list in the Official Report in respect of the Community Projects Foundation the number of staff currently employed, the cost of staff remuneration and the number of meetings held in the past 12 months by the appointed members.

Mr. Raison

The foundation currently employs 78 staff at an annual cost of £698,000.

The trustees have held six formal meetings in the past 12 months.