Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Paul Clark (Labour). It was answered on Wednesday, 12 December 2007 on behalf of the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

Volunteers

Question: I thank my hon. Friend for that response. He will know that volunteers and voluntary organisations the length and breadth of the country are important in building sustainable and stronger communities, no more so than two projects in my constituency: the Activity Loft on the Vineries estate and the Sunlight centre. Both are award-winning projects. What steps will he take to ensure that they get full access to such train to gain schemes, against the pressures of time and with as much ease as possible?

Answer: I can give my hon. Friend some good news. The train to gain programme, which will now include skills funding for volunteers, will make a huge difference. The Sunlight Development Trust—one of more than 400 development trusts with more than 15,000 volunteers—will greatly benefit from those resources. My hon. Friend hosted a reception in the Commons where those trusts presented him and other MPs with awards. They described him as a committed and hard working constituency MP, who was approachable, honest and truly committed to social justice and working with the most vulnerable. I could not agree with them more. I can only say that I agree with the organisation that said that"““the third sector is in vibrant health…more Third Sector Organisations than ever…more Government funding than ever.””" That organisation was the Conservative social justice policy group.

Secondary information