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11 Sept 2003 : Column 491W—continued
Ulster-Scots
Mr. Gregory Campbell: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much public expenditure has been awarded to groups and individuals involved in the Ulster Scots cultural outlook in each of the last five years. [125539]
Angela Smith: It is not possible to identify all public expenditure which has been awarded to groups and individuals involved in the Ulster Scots cultural outlook. Many projects which have received public funding may have an Ulster Scots aspect or element, but it would not be possible to identify all of these projects and groups except at disproportionate cost.
However, the main conduit for the promotion of Ulster Scots culture is through the Ulster Scots Agency, which has a statutory remit to promote Ulster-Scots language and culture. Total funding provided for the promotion of Ulster-Scots culture by the Agency since its formation is as follows:
| Year | £ |
|---|---|
| 2000 | 38,020.40 |
| 2001 | 369,002.35 |
| 2002 | 331,254.71 |
| 2003 | (to date) 133,396.73 |
Unemployment Pilot Schemes
Mr. Mallon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many pilot schemes the Department of (a) Health, Social Services and Public Safety, (b) Social Development, (c) Enterprise, Trade and Investment, (d) Environment, (e) Culture, Arts and Leisure, (f) Agriculture and Rural Development, (g) Employment and Learning, (h) Finance and Personnel, (i) Regional Development and (j) Education have for the recruitment of the unemployed, pursuant to recommendations of the procurement review. [125910]
Mr. Pearson: To date a total of 12 schemes have been nominated for inclusion in the Pilot Project. These, split by Departments are:
- (a) Health, Social Services and Public Safety: 3
- (b) Social Development: 0
- (c) Enterprise, Trade and Investment: 0
- (d) Environment: 0
- (e) Culture, Arts and Leisure: 0
- (f) Agriculture and Rural Development: 1
- (g) Employment and Learning: 0
- (h) Finance and Personnel: 4
- (i) Regional Development: 3
- (j) Education: 0
- (k) Office of The First and Deputy First Minister: 1
11 Sept 2003 : Column 492W
Department of (a) Health, Social Services and Public Safety, (b) Social Development, (c) Enterprise, Trade and Investment, (d) Environment, (e) Culture, Arts and Leisure, (f) Agriculture and Rural Development, (g) Employment and Learning Needs, (h) Finance and Personnel, (i) Regional Development and (j) Education need to implement to meet relevant recommendations of the procurement review. [125911]
Mr. Pearson: The Review of the Public Procurement recommended that at least 20 projects are required for the pilot to provide sufficient information on which to judge the success, or otherwise of this approach. The review recommends that at least one project should be contributed by each Department.
Victims (Funds)
Mr. Peter Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how much was paid to victims through funds made available by the Assembly of Northern Ireland in (a) 2001–02 and (b) 2002–03. [123790]
Mr. Spellar: Up to the end of July 2003 the following amounts have been paid to victims through funds made available by the Assembly of Northern Ireland:
- 2001–02: £518,897
2002–03: £622,814
Wheelchair Access (Ambulances)
Lady Hermon: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland when the law regarding wheelchair access in ambulances was changed; and if he will make a statement. [125294]
Angela Smith: There is no legislation in respect of wheelchair access in ambulances. However, it is standard procedure for A&E ambulance staff to place a wheelchair user on the ambulance stretcher so that any treatment which may be needed can be administered safely. As space does not allow wheelchairs to be safely transported in A&E ambulances, they must be left behind. Hospitals have wheelchairs available for use by patients. However, if wheelchair users wish to have their own chairs, a relative or carer would normally be asked to arrange for the wheelchair to be brought to the hospital.
Written Ministerial Statements
Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many written ministerial statements have been made by the Department since 29 October 2002. [126610]
Jane Kennedy: Since 29 October 2002 the Northern Ireland Office has made 79 written ministerial statements to Parliament.