§ Mr. HumeTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland whether consideration is being given to improving community service grant aid to local authorities who face particular demands from disadvantaged areas.
§ Dr. Mawhinney[holding answer 25 July 1990]: I have no plans to increase the community services grant aid to councils, which stands at £1,935,000 this year.
The hon. Gentleman will appreciate that councils have the ability either to increase their resources from the rates or to alter their priorities in the allocation of their available resources. He can be assured that the allocation of grant to each council is made on as fair and equitable a basis as possible.