HC Deb 03 February 1986 vol 91 c63W
Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report those voluntary bodies and organisatons assisted by his Department with grant in aid in the last financial year for which figures are available, and the size of the grant so given.

Mr. Eggar

Details of grants made by the two wings of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office to voluntary bodies and organisations are listed in Class II, Vote 1, section G, and Class II, Vote 7, section D, of the 1985–86 Supply Estimates.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list in the Official Report the governmental agencies to which his Department gives grant aid which in turn provide financial support for voluntary bodies and organisations, and the size of the grant so given in the last financial year for which figures are available.

Mr. Eggar

The only non-departmental public body in receipt of grant aid from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office which provides financial support for voluntary bodies is the British Council, which in 1985–86 received a grant-in-aid of £83,962,000.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will outline the steps which his Department takes to ensure that grant aid given to voluntary bodies and organisations, whether directly or indirectly, is not used for political purposes.

Mr. Eggar

Grants are given only to voluntary bodies and organisations whose purposes are strictly in accordance with our foreign and overseas aid policies. All such grants are subject to review. Those in receipt of grants are required to provide audited accounts.

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