§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, pursuant to his answer of 13 July 2000,Official Report, column 646W, regarding Lord-Lieutenants, what expenditure was incurred by his Department in support of each Lord-Lieutenant for the financial year 1999–2000. [134858]
§ Mr. MandelsonThe information requested is contained in the table.
Expenditure Antrim 741.37 Armagh 506.82 Belfast 987.09 Down 822.54 Fermanagh 507.85 Londonderry 2,899.49 Tyrone 635.68 Grand total 7,100.84 The Lord-Lieutenancy of County Londonderry is higher than that for other counties because that amount comprises two Lord-Lieutenants—Londonderry City, and Londonderry County.
Pursuant to this, it may be helpful if 1 provide some further information to put the figures in their proper context.
Lord-Lieutenants are appointed under current legislation by Her Majesty the Queen on the advice of the Prime Minister, following consultations locally and, where appropriate, with the First Minister. Lord-Lieutenants are much appreciated in their counties and areas, particularly as a link with the royal family and for their support of a wide range of local voluntary and community work. Lord-Lieutenants are unpaid. They may however claim 663W expenses from central Government for certain items such as travel and other reasonable non-entertainment expenses incurred in carrying out their official duties. Amounts claimed will clearly vary according to, for example, levels of activity in each county, size and dispersal of populations, and the personal circumstances of each Lord-Lieutenant. Some choose not to claim any expenses.
In addition most counties provide varying levels of administrative support, as do some Government Departments in respect of functions carried out by Lord-Lieutenants on their behalf.