§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what financial support his Department has provided to elderly forums; what plans he has to develop the elderly forum movement; and if he will make a statement.
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonThe Scottish Office currently provides financial assistance to two elderly forums through the urban programme at an estimated cost of £149,138 in the present financial year. Grant of 75 per cent. is payable by the Scottish Office on approved expenditure. The projects cover eligible areas in 473W Strathclyde and Edinburgh. As for the future development of elderly forums, this is a matter for the forums themselves to take forward. In this connection, local authorities have powers under section 10(3) of the Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 to grant aid voluntary organisations in providing social welfare in their areas.