Mr. Robert AinsworthTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what funds are made available to the groundwork trusts; what consideration he has given to making these available equally to existing environmental trusts; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AtkinsThe Groundwork Foundation's grant in aid for 1993–94 is £5.5 million, which enables the foundation to support the existing network of 32 groundwork trusts and provide for the establishment of new trusts. Groundwork trusts bring together in partnership local authorities, private companies, voluntary organisations and local people to tackle environmental problems in the community. There is a wide range of grants available from this Department to support the environmental activities of local voluntary groups.