HC Deb 21 April 1993 vol 223 cc102-3W
Mr. William Ross

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how he intends to fund the Independent Living (Extension) Fund, the Independent Living (1993) Fund and Motability before the enactment of the Disability (Grants) Bill.

Mr. Hanley

The Disability (Grants) Bill currently before Parliament will allow the Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland to make grants to certain named organisations that help disabled people lead a more independent life in the community. These organisations are the Independent Living (Extension) Fund, the Independent Living (1993) Fund and Motability.

Parliamentary approval of expenditure on grant in aid to the Independent Living Funds will be sought in the 1993–94 main estimate for centrally administered social security (Department of Health and Social Services, vote 5).

Approval for expenditure on a grant to Motability will be sought in the 1993–94 main estimate for administration and miscellaneous services (Department of Health and Social Services, vote 3).

Pending approval, urgent expenditure estimated at £3,100,000 will be met by repayable advances from the Northern Ireland civil contingencies fund.

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