To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the progress of the business in the community, Northern Ireland scheme. [36152]

[holding answer 8 July 1996]: Business in the Community, established in September 1989 is a charitable organisation which seeks to develop business involvement in the community by creating links between business and local community groups, schools and small businesses. One of BITC's key strategic objectives is to establish lasting partnerships between NI companies, and relevant Government Departments and community organisations.Three of the NI Departments—Department of the Environment, Department of Economic Development and Department of Agriculture—have involvement with BITC through a number of initiatives.A copy of Business in the Community's annual review has been placed in the Library.