Comprehensive Spending Review

HC Deb 29 October 1997 vol 299 cc889-91

4. Mr. Michael J. Foster

What responses have been received in respect of the Government's consultations on the comprehensive spending review in Northern Ireland. [12409]

The Minister of State, Northern Ireland Office (Mr. Paul Murphy)

The Government have invited contributions to the review of spending in Northern Ireland from the local political parties, the 26 Northern Ireland district councils and various bodies, including representatives of trade unions, business and commerce and the voluntary sector. Numerous written contributions have been received which are being considered. I have also received views from contributors at a number of meetings.

Mr. Foster

What benefits does my hon. Friend believe that his extensive consultation process has had for his assessment of Northern Ireland's overall spending needs and priorities?

Mr. Murphy

The chief benefit is that, in line with our policy of open government, the exercise has given people in Northern Ireland an opportunity that they have not had for more than 25 years: the chance to comment on and influence how the Government spend their money and, more important, how we order our priorities in Northern Ireland. In addition, the detailed suggestions from across the entire community in Northern Ireland have proved to be exceptionally helpful to my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State in her review.

Mr. John D. Taylor

Will the Minister confirm that it is a real consultation process and that the present programme of the Government will be changed to take into account the representations that he has received from various delegations and parties in Northern Ireland? If so, will he confirm that political dogma will not override financial common sense? The Department of Education has proposed closing down, or at least is considering the closure of, the preparatory sections of voluntary grammar schools, Roman Catholic and Protestant, where it costs just £20,000 per child, and transferring those sections to state schools, where it costs the state £90,000 per child. Will the Government take into consideration those cost differences?

Mr. Murphy

I can confirm two things to the right hon. Gentleman: first, the comprehensive spending review will indeed be based on common sense and not on dogma and, secondly, there are no plans to close the schools that he has mentioned.

Mr. McGrady

Although the process towards political stability is all important and all absorbing, does the Minister agree that there is an opportunity, even with the peace that we do have, to direct the economy of Northern Ireland towards a more invigorating process, particularly on tourism? Has he had any representations during the financial review on the underfunding of the Northern Ireland tourist board and the industry, given the potential tourist developments open to them?

Mr. Murphy

I accept the hon. Gentleman's point of view. A strategy on tourism in Northern Ireland will be published soon. His concerns will be part of the comprehensive spending review.

Mr. Ian Taylor

Does the Minister recall that during the previous ceasefire, we, in government, were able to reorganise spending because of savings on certain aspects of security because of the ending, temporarily, of hostilities by the IRA? Will he comment on the fact that, unfortunately, the current negotiations are continuing against a background in which Sinn Fein has not demanded that the IRA should give up its illegally held weapons and decommission has not already started? Would it not have been better for the Prime Minister to understand that he could have got that concession out of Sinn Fein-IRA before he shook hands with its leaders?

Mr. Murphy

Only yesterday, there was a report from the independent commissioners on decommissioning. It will be available to all parties, including the hon. Gentleman's party. It is of course important to consider any savings that can be made as a direct result of the peace process.

Mr. Godman

As part of that exercise, can we expect an early review of the targeting social need programme? I would argue that such a review is essential to tackle the widespread poverty in both communities.

Mr. Murphy

I accept my hon. Friend's point; targeting social need will certainly be part of the comprehensive spending review and the backcloth to all the decisions that we take.