Written question asked by Simon Hughes (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 7 February 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 28 February 2001. It was answered by George Howarth (Labour) on Wednesday, 28 February 2001 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, What strategies he is pursuing to encourage young people into activities which are considered alternatives to crime. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Simon Hughes: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what strategies he is pursuing to encourage young people into activities which are considered alternatives to crime. [149950] Mr. George Howarth: There has, for many years in Northern Ireland, been a wide range of initiatives at local level directed towards encouraging young people into more constructive activity. Most of these initiatives, however, now fall within the responsibility of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland. The Community Affairs Branch of the Royal Ulster Constabulary, in partnership with other bodies, carry out work with young people, who either have committed crime or are deemed at risk of offending, aimed at diverting them away from criminal activity.

Secondary information