§ Mr. McNamaraTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the terms of reference of the Race Relations Forum; how many staff of what grade are attached to it; what decisions were taken at its first meeting; and what is its postal address, telephone, fax number and E-mail address. [48371]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Race Relations Forum was established for the purpose of giving ethnic minority communities a voice at the heart of government. It is intended to complement the existing channels of communication. The first meeting took place on 23 June and was chaired by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary. The Forum's terms of reference were discussed but not finalised. We will publish them once they have been agreed. As an advisory body, it is not the role of the Forum to take decisions. We are, however, considering the points members made.
The Secretariat to the Forum is provided by a Grade 7 civil servant, a Higher Executive Officer and an Executive Officer.
Its postal address is The Race Relations Forum Secretariat, Race Equality Unit, Room 1272, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1A 9AT. The secretary's telephone number is 0171 273 2792, fax number 0171 273 3771. There is no e-mail address.