§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what safeguards he is planning for the funding of welfare rights, money advice centres and voluntary organisations following the dismantling of regional councils and social work committees.
§ Mr. Stewart[holding answer 3 May 1994]: The Government value highly the work of voluntary 684W organisations and wish to ensure a smooth handover from the existing to the new authorities. For this reason, the Scottish Office will issue guidance to the new authorities on the key role of voluntary organisations and the importance of avoiding disruption. In addition, the Scottish Office will direct existing authorities to inform shadow authorities of all funding which is given to voluntary organisations by means of grants, service agreements, contracts and so on. This direction will ensure that the shadow authorities are aware of the full extent of funding of voluntary organisations including annual grants being paid to voluntary organisations in 1994–95.