To ask the Secretary of State for Wales what was the value of grants from his Department to voluntary organisations in each of the past three years at constant prices.

The figures are £7·31 million in 1985–86, £8·88 million in 1986–87 and £9·34 million in 1987–88.

I greatly welcome the increases in grants. Does my right hon. Friend agree that this very cost-effective form of public expenditure should be increased whenever appropriate and possible?

Yes. I think that it has had very good results in a whole range of areas, and I welcome what has taken place.