HC Deb 26 October 1987 vol 121 cc178-9W
Mr. Battle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what has been the level of funding for the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People for each of the past three years.

Mr. Portillo

The Department awarded the council a grant of £40,000 in each of the past three years.

Mr. Battle

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the proposed withdrawal of funding by his Department to the Council for the Advancement of Communication with Deaf People.

Mr. Scott

This Department is by far the largest single contributor to the funds of this voluntary organisation and funding is not being withdrawn. On the contrary, we are making a grant of £40,000 in 1987–88, the same amount as in the previous three years. The council has explained its current financial difficulties. We have extended further help by bringing forward the first three quarterly instalments of our grant. We are also actively discussing with the council and others with an interest longer term financial arrangements for supporting the council's work.