Mr. Robert Watt:

In revising the circular, we are making it clear that when Departments provide grants to non-public bodies they should be much more involved so they can be satisfied that the money is being spent in line with the objectives and that value for money criteria are being met. We are also proposing that bodies which receive money should publish basic information about incomes and objectives.

Although we have not issued a circular yet, when I provide the committee with information on the grant-in-aid for each Department I could also send a copy of the draft circular so members can see what we envisage.