asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what was the total amount of Government assistance to the Youth Hostel Association of Northern Ireland in each of the past five years.

The Youth Hostel Association of Northern Ireland is accepted as a voluntary sporting organisation and as such has qualified for grant-aid, at the rate of 50 per cent. of approved capital expenditure, from the Department of Education for Northern Ireland.Grants paid to the association in the past five years were as follows:

1973–74	£958·90
1974–75	Nil
1975–76	£166·25
1976–77	Nil
1977–78	£5,993·00

In addition, equipment grants of £473 were paid by the Sports Council for Northern Ireland in the year 1976– 77.In April 1978 the Department of Education offered grant-aid at the rate of 90 per cent. on a proposed development officer's salary, plus grant-aid of 75 per cent. on administrative costs. The Department also offered to pay 90 per cent. grant towards the cost of renovations, extensions or improvements to youth hostels costing between £2,000 and £11,000, which are completed in the financial years 1978–79 and 1979–80. One application has been received so far and the Department has approved the payment of grant at the rate of 90 per cent. towards renovations to the gable of the Newcastle youth hostel, at an estimated cost of £3,000.