HC Deb 13 March 2003 vol 401 c392W
Mr. Laws

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the cost of the Commission for Racial Equality was in the last year for which figures are available; what value for money assessment he has made of its work; and if he will make a statement. [99806]

Beverley Hughes

The total operating cost of the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) for 2001–02 was £20,465,894 of which some £19,340,000 was provided in grant in aid.

The most recent quinquennial review of the Commission for Racial Equality was completed in 1996–97. The quinquennial review which was programmed to take place in 2000–01 was delayed to enable the then new Chair of the Commission to become established in post and introduce a modernisation programme to enable the Commission to meet its new responsibilities under the Race Relations Amendment Act 2000. As the Government are currently examining the feasibility of establishing a single equality body we do not anticipate conducting a separate value for money assessment of the CRE at this time.