§ Dr. HendronTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what is the current level of public funding of community relations by(a) central Government and (b) local government. [22102]
§ Mr. AncramThe resources available for community relations are directed at consolidating a range of major initiatives which are designed to increase cross-community contact and encourage greater mutual understanding and respect of different cultures and traditions.
The current level of central Government funding for community relations work is £8.74 million. This includes grant of 75 per cent.—£1.87 million—to district councils for their own community relations programmes. The balance of funding is provided by local government. In addition, other local government programmes may involve projects relevant to community relations, notably community services and cultural facilities.