§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what public money has been spent purchasing stock cars for use in the Extern auto project at Dunmore stadium.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIt is estimated that approximately £200 per annum of public money is spent on the purchase of unroadworthy cars which are then modified for racing purposes by the young people who take part in the Extern project.
§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public money has been allocated to supply replacement radiators and other damaged parts for cars free of charge to participating young west Belfast drivers involved in the Extern auto project at Dunmore stadium.
§ Mr. Chris PattenIt is not possible to itemise the costs of the individual components used in the repair of damaged cars. Since the inception of the west Belfast auto project in May 1980, the amounts of public money allocated to Extern for "workshop expenses", which include the cost of the purchase of vehicles and various replacement parts used in their modification and repair were as follows:
1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 £ £ £ £ Nil 2,424 2,637 2,767
§ Mr. Beggsasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will list Government Departments associated with the Extern auto project at Dunmore stadium and the amount of public money contributed by each Department annually to the project; whether there is evidence to show that this project has reduced joy-riding or car stealing in Northern Ireland; and how many young drivers who have been members of the Extern auto project have been later involved in car stealing or joy-riding.
§ Mr. Chris PattenThe financial information is as follows:
717W
1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 £ 000s £ 000s £ 000s £ 000s Department of Health and Social Services 3.5 14.6 20.25 24.2 Northern Ireland Office 3.5 14.6 20.25 34.2
1980–81 1981–82 1982–83 1983–84 £ 000s £ 000s £ 000s £ 000s Department of Economic Development Nil 6.6 7.1 *10.65 Total 7.0 35.8 47.6 69.05 * estimated In 1983, an evaluation of the first two years of operation concluded that the project was successful in helping delinquent children to reduce or stop their joy-riding activities by providing an intensive, low-cost support facility which is regarded as a valuable resource to statutory agencies such as the probation service, the police and social services.
Of the 37 young people who have left the project, three have since been convicted of taking and driving away offences, charges have been brought against a further two who have not yet appeared in court, and a similar charge may be brought against one other.