§ Mr. Greenwayasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how much his Department spent in grants to playgroups in 1975, 1978 and 1983; what information he has on the total number of children involved; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. John PattenThe Department made no grants directly to individual playgroups in the years in question. Grants made to the Pre-School Playgroups Association (PPA) in respect of national and regional activity totalled £82,000 in 1975–76, £210,828 in 1978–79 and £383,000 in 1983–84 broken down as follows:
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- £346,250 main core grant
- £14,750 mother and toddler work
- £2,000 training for volunteers in committee work
- £10,000 for financial consultants
- £10,000 Group on work in disadvantaged areas
In addition the PPA received £106,200 in 1983–84 under the opportunities for volunteering scheme, and £38,500 under the under fives initiative.