HC Deb 23 June 1982 vol 26 cc287-8
10. Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Environment what extra funds have been provided by his Department for the ethnic minorities since the appointment of the hon. Member for Ealing, Acton (Sir G. Young) as the Minister responsible for race relations within his Department.

Sir George Young

There is no special allocation of funds for ethnic minorities within the Department's programmes. However, urban programme approvals announced since my appointment show that the upward trend in support for ethnic minority projects is continuing.

Mr. Proctor

Does my hon. Friend agree that no level of public expenditure and no level of extra resources devoted to the inner city areas will be sufficient to avoid a deterioration in race relations and further riots this summer?

Sir George Young

When I need advice on these matters I shall turn to a large number of my hon. Friends who represent the inner cities before I turn to the hon. Member for Basildon (Mr. Proctor).

Mr. Anthony Grant

Is my hon. Friend aware that the Asians in my constituency, the majority of whom support the Government, greatly admire the work done by him and welcome his appointment, as I do?

Sir George Young

I am grateful for my hon. Friend's support. He represents more members of my party than the hon. Member for Basildon (Mr. Proctor).