§ Mr. Michael Robertsasked the Secretary of State for Wales what is the total cost of setting up the Welsh Assembly in January 1979 prices; and what is the annual total running cost of the proposed Welsh Assembly in January 1979 prices.
§ Mr. John MorrisThe most recent estimate of the capital costs of setting up the Welsh Assembly was provided in answer to the hon. Member for Carmarthen (Mr. Evans) on 12 February—[Vol. 962, c.773.] In addition, it is estimated that there will be costs of about £1.4 million in respect of the initial removal of staff to Cardiff. The most recent estimate of the additional annual running costs which would be incurred was provided in 288W answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Bedwellty (Mr. Kinnock) on 11 December—[Vol. 960, c. 81.] In addition, the Assembly will take over existing Welsh Office staff at an estimated annual cost of £9.8 million but this will not, of course, be an additional cost. In each case the figures are at November 1978 prices.