§ 2. Mr. Freudasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the total amount of central Government aid to security service's other than those provided by police and the Ministry of Defence.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (Mr. James A. Dunn)It is estimated that during the current financial year £4,600,000 will have been spent in Northern Ireland by the Government on the security staff grants scheme and £3,187,000 on the civil search unit.
§ Mr. FreudDoes the Minister feel that this is the most efficient use of the huge Government contribution of £7 million-plus? Will he reconsider the advisability of giving ad hoc sums of money to employ fire watchers and organise this at a higher level and perhaps subsidise a training programme?
§ Mr. DunnThere are many complexities interwoven in the hon. Member's question. The security staff grants scheme includes an increase in the number of fire officers employed outside working hours. This has been the result of intensive discussion in Northern Ireland. This is the scheme that is wanted. I shall draw the hon. Member's comments to the notice of those concerned.