§ Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what representations he has had in relation to the funding of Play Wales from 1 April 1997; what consultations he has had with the Welsh Local Government Association concerning future funding arrangements for it; what consideration he has given to the possibility of funding Play Wales after 1 April 1997 via a grant to the Welsh Council for Voluntary Action; and if he will make a statement. [5989]
§ Mr. HagueI have had several representations about the funding of Play Wales, including over 50 during the consultation on "Redefining the Relationship". These include letters from the Welsh Local Government Association which have been taken into account. I have considered the possibility of funding Play Wales via a grant to the Wales Council for Voluntary Action but concluded that the position should remain as I announced on 15 October,Official Report, column 866.
The Welsh Local Government Association's decision, that Play Wales should not receive a top-slice of revenue support grant in 1997–98, and the consequences of that decision, are matters for the association.