§ 5. Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the funding by his Department to the Merseyside community relations council over the past three years.
§ Mr. RaisonThe Home Office does not fund community relations councils. I understand that in the last three financial years the Commission for Racial Equality has given Merseyside community 'relations council grants of about £25,000, £37,000 and £39,000.
§ Mr. ParryDoes the Minister accept that there is a case for positive discrimination in areas such as Toxteth, Brixton and Moss Side? Is he aware that fundings from the CRE to the Merseyside community relations council do not go towards specialist appointments and the salaries of persons such as the employment officer and the education officer? They are essential posts. Will the Home Office consider rectifying the situation?
§ Mr. RaisonThe question of which posts within community relations councils are supported is a matter for the CRE and the local authority, not for the Home Office. Positive discrimination is largely a matter of terminology. As the hon. Gentleman knows, the Government help to remedy racial disadvantage through a number of schemes.