§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is the annual budget provided by the Welsh Office to the Welsh Housing Associations Council.
§ Mr. GristIn the current financial year the Welsh Office will provide the Welsh Housing Associations Council with grant in aid of £10,000 to support the council's administrative costs. In addition the Department will provide £30,000 specifically to support a co-operative development officer.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what guidelines exist(a) to direct and (b) to verify the expenditure of the Welsh Housing Associations Council.
§ Mr. GristThe Welsh Housing Associations Council is an independent body which exists to represent the housing association movement in Wales. It also carries out training and research on a collective basis. Although the Department provides financial support towards the council's administrative costs, we do not consider it appropriate to attach conditions to that support which would inhibit the council's independence.
§ Mr. Ron DaviesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what provision is made by the Welsh Housing Associations Council to offer hospitality to potential tenants, and if he will make a statement.