Mr. John David Taylorasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many staff are now employed in the secretariat to the Anglo-Irish Conference at Maryfield, Belfast; what is the total estimated cost of its operation during the first three months since it commenced work; and on what basis the respective proportions of these costs will be contributed, respectively, by the Northern Ireland Office and the Government of the Republic of Ireland.
§ Mr. ScottThe United Kingdom side of the secretariat currently has nine staff, including support staff. The number of staff on the Irish side is a matter for the Irish Government.
The estimated running costs up to 9 March 1986 were £109,600. The costs of the secretariat will be shared by the two Governments. The basis of the apportionment of costs has not yet been determined.