HC Deb 14 July 1982 vol 27 c412W
Sir John Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what co-operation is given by Departments of the Northern Ireland Administration to the Churches Central Committee for Community Work.

Mr. Scott

The Department of Education for Northern Ireland provides a grant to support the Churches Central Committee for Community Work in promoting initiatives in community work particularly in peace and reconciliation. The grant of £15,200 in 1982–83 will be used to meet the headquarters running costs of the committee, including part salaries of a full-time community liaison officer and a part-time secretary.

In addition, active encouragement is given to the committee in the running of its annual history competition—Studying our Past—by providing the prize money and involvement of the inspectorate and the education advisers of the five education and library boards.

Officials hold regular discussions with the committee about its work and problems. The monthly meetings of the committee are attended by observers from both the Department of Education and the Department of Health and Social Services.