§ Lord Ouseleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect to pursue a programme of action to achieve reconciliation and social interaction between the different cultural and faith communities in those northern towns affected by serious civil disturbances during the summer of 2001 as well as in other towns where community relations remain tense. [HL1044]
§ Lord RookerThe Government have already taken action in response to the disturbances last summer. In the short term, we made available £7 million to fund additional summer activities for young people. In addition, £3 million has been made available to fund the appointment of community facilitators for those areas most in need.
The report of the Ministerial Group on Public Order and Community Cohesion will be presented to my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department and published in December. The Government will give careful consideration to the conclusions and recommendations of that report, and other independent reports on last summer's disturbances, and will take action in the light of that consideration.