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

Third Sector

Question: Does my right hon. Friend agree that those in the voluntary sector have been pioneers in developing policy and helping the Government to do so? I am thinking especially of the hospice movement. Is my right hon. Friend aware of the work of George Thomas hospice in my constituency, which of course is named after a former Speaker?

Answer: I too congratulate the hospice on its work in my hon. Friend’s constituency. She has made an interesting point about the way in which the voluntary sector can add to the great work done by the public services—in this case, the national health service. There is always a need to ensure that it does not replace public spending, and the Government’s approach is that it is not an excuse for them not to fund public services properly; but throughout the country, in many different ways, voluntary organisations add to the work that the public services do.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 469 c284
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Hospices Voluntary organisations Finance Grants Social policy Community Development Foundation
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk