§ Mr. Terry Fieldsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many voluntary organisations have received finance in the fight against drug abuse; to what level; what criteria must be met for funding; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mrs. CurrieThe Department makes grants to voluntary organisations under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. Under these powers, 75 voluntary organisations are receiving a total of £6,387,000 over three years under the central funding initiative to pump-prime local projects for the development of services to people with drug-related problems. The criteria for receiving grants under the initiative are set out in circular HN(83) 13/LSSL(83)1.
In addition, three national voluntary organisations working in the drug misuse field are receiving grants totalling £438,000 in 1986–87 under the general scheme of grants under section 64 of the Health Services and Public Health Act 1968. This scheme, in the main, is to assist with the central costs of national voluntary organisations which cannot readily be financed otherwise. The scheme also enables grants to be awarded for limited periods for experimental or innovative local projects of potential 709W national significance. Individual applications are carefully considered for value for money in relation to policy objectives for the personal social services and health services.