§ Sir John Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland why a central community relations unit has been set up; what is the expected cost to public funds; and which quangos have been (a) abolished and (b) set up, in each of the last five years.
§ Dr. MawhinneyMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State established this unit because he wants to ensure that at the very centre of the decision-making process in Northern Ireland, crucial community relations issues, in their widest sense, are given the fullest possible consideration.
The unit is staffed by civil servants and has available the services of an independent academic adviser on a part-time basis. The cost, inclusive of salaries, services and accommodation, is estimated at £26,000 for this financial year and £50,000 in 1988–89.
939WIn the last five years the Government has not established or abolished any bodies dealing with community relations work.