§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to consult stakeholders on proposed changes in the remit of National Holocaust Memorial Day. [160641]
§ Fiona Mactaggart[holding answer 11 March 2004]There are no plans to change the remit of Holocaust Memorial Day. Had the Home Office plans to change the remit of the Day, stakeholders would be consulted via the existing advisory group structures.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Holocaust Memorial Day local activities guidelines packs were sent out in 2004; and how many local authorities commemorated Holocaust Memorial Day. [160642]
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§ Fiona Mactaggart[holding answer 11 March 2004]7,500 local activities guidelines packs, of the version produced specifically for Holocaust Memorial Day 2004, have been distributed in hard copy. The pack was available online at the official Holocaust Memorial Day website and has been downloaded 8,740 times.
2,083 copies of guidance prepared in conjunction with Churches Together in Britain and Ireland were distributed in hard copy or downloaded.
We are aware of 146 events organised or part-organised by 99 different local authorities for Holocaust Memorial Day 2004, with a further 194 organised by other groups or individuals outside central or local Government. This total of 340 compares to 244 for Holocaust Memorial Day 2003.
However, both this year and last the number of local events is likely to have exceeded this number as feedback and monitoring are not comprehensive. These figures also exclude the range of events around Northern Ireland making up the national commemoration, and much activity in schools.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the remit for Holocaust Memorial Day is. [160644]
§ Fiona Mactaggart[holding answer 11 March 2004]The key aims of Holocaust Memorial Day are to remember all victims of the Holocaust and Nazi persecution, to raise awareness and understanding of the Holocaust and to promote the continuing importance of its messages (that it should never be forgotten or repeated) by considering those affected by more recent atrocities that raise similar issues. It is also to educate about the dangers of anti-Semitism, racism and all forms of discrimination.
The 13-point Statement of Purpose, which expands on these aims, can be obtained in full from the Home Office or from the Holocaust Memorial Day website at www. holocaustmemorialday.gov.uk.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to meet the National Association of British Arabs concerning Holocaust Memorial Day; and if he will make a statement. [160645]
§ Fiona Mactaggart[holding answer 11 March 2004]I met with representatives of the National Association of British Arabs and the Council for the Advancement of Arab-British Understanding on 8 March. The meeting was to discuss issues of domestic concern to British Arabs. Holocaust Memorial Day was not discussed.
The National Association of British Arabs have not requested a meeting with my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State to discuss Holocaust Memorial Day and no such meeting is arranged.
The Home Office would encourage all communities to participate in Holocaust Memorial Day, which raises issues that are relevant to all.