Written question asked by Lord Dodds of Duncairn (Democratic Unionist Party) on Thursday, 14 October 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 25 October 2004. It was answered by Barry Gardiner (Labour) on Monday, 25 October 2004 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will make it his policy that the proposals to deal with the overspend in the budget of the Belfast Education and Library Board will not result in cuts to funding for education in (a) North Belfast and (b) Greater Shankill.

Answer: Mr. Dodds: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make it his policy that the proposals to deal with the overspend in the budget of the Belfast Education and Library Board will not result in cuts to funding for education in (a) North Belfast and (b) Greater Shankill. [192377] Mr. Gardiner: I have asked the Board, as a matter of urgency, to bring forward a plan setting out the actions that would need to be taken to ensure that there is no further overspend at the end of the current financial year. Responsibility for identifying and prioritising appropriate action rests in the first instance with the Board itself. I have, however, emphasised the importance I attach to minimising disruption to front- line services and I will consider the BELB proposals, once I receive them, and work with the Board to safeguard the education of all children.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 425 c1061W; 192377
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Debts Belfast Finance Education Belfast Education and Library Board
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk