HC Deb 16 December 1997 vol 303 cc86-7W
Mr. Jim Marshall

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for the payment of grant under section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966 to provide additional support for ethnic minorities. [21487]

Mr. Straw

We fully recognise the value of work which section 11 grant has supported and the importance that local authorities and communities attach to this. We have commissioned a study to consider how such support needed for members of ethnic minorities can best be provided. The exercise is being conducted by my Department in collaboration with the Department for Education and Employment. I very much hope that local authorities and other interested parties will contribute views. The findings of the study, which are expected to be available in the spring, will inform our further consideration.