HC Deb 21 July 1994 vol 247 cc441-3W
Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on policy appraisal and fair treatment with regard to the application of relevant principles and procedures in the context of the housing policy review.

Mr. Tim Smith

The Government are committed to securing equality of opportunity and equity of treatment for all people in Northern Ireland through the elimination of unlawful discrimination and the promotion of fair treatment.

The policy appraisal and fair treatment principles will be taken into account throughout the period of the housing policy review. Comments have been invited from a wide range of housing interests including constitutional political parties, public bodies, the voluntary sector and disabled groups.

Existing policies and any new policies arising from the housing policy review will be subject to the PAFT principles and procedures.

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the proportionate religious breakdown of heads of household in Northern Ireland who are(a) owner occupiers, (b) Housing Executive tenants and (c) housing association tenants; and what is the breakdown for the population as a whole.

Sir John Wheeler

The information requested is shown in the tables.

Table 2 Proportionate religion breakdown of Northern Ireland usually resident population
Religion Number Proportion
Total population 1,577,836 1.0000
Roman Catholic 605,639 0.3838
Presbyterian 336,891 0.2135
Church of Ireland 279,280 0.1770
Methodist 59,517 0.0377
Other denomination 122,448 0.0776
None 59,234 0.0375
Not stated 114,827 0.0728

Mr. Hume

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proportions of(a) Housing Executive and (b) housing association tenants are in receipt of (i) housing benefit and (ii) maximum housing benefit.

Mr. Ancram

The proportion of Housing Executive tenants receiving housing benefit is 73 per cent. or 110,331; 55 per cent. or 82,660 receive maximum housing benefit.

Information in respect of housing association tenants could be provided only at disproportionate cost.