§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the mandate of the Committee for the implementation of the action programme to tackle discrimination is; how 337W many times it has met over the last 12 months; what the UK representation on it is; what the annual cost of its work is to public funds; if he will list the items currently under its consideration; if he will take steps to increase its accountability and transparency to Parliament; and if he will make a statement. [55239]
§ Ms HewittI have been asked to reply.
The Community Action Programme to Combat Discrimination (2001–06) supports the development of practical solutions to combat discrimination on grounds of racial and ethnic origin, disability, age, religion and belief and sexual orientation. The programme encourages the exchange of best practice on policies and practices which have been shown to work well in combating discrimination across Europe.
The Committee has met four times over the last 12 months.
The current UK representative is the responsible official from this Department's Diversity and Equality Branch.
It is not possible to calculate the cost to public funds of the work of the Committee without incurring disproportionate cost.