§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
What decisions have been taken by the North/ South Ministerial Council since the suspension of the devolved administration in Northern Ireland. [HL2581]
§ The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn):The exchanges of notes between the British and Irish Governments on 19 November 2002 provides for 138WA decisions on policies and actions relating to the implementation bodies and Tourism Ireland Limited or their respective functions to be taken by the two Governments. A list of decisions that have been taken under the exchange of notes up until 28 March was placed in the Library on 7 April. The Government will publish shortly details of further decisions taken since then.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal (WA 103) concerning set up costs for the North/South Ministerial Council, what are the details of the £7,257 spent on carpets and the £ 13,271 spent on other items.[HL2717]
§ Lord Williams of Mostyn:The North/South Ministerial Council Joint Secretariat accommodation was carpeted in line with Construction Service Supplies Branch guidelines at a total cost of £7,257.
The £13,271 spent on other items consists of expenditure on a fax machine, photocopier rental, telephone apparatus, catering equipment, a franking machine, shredders and miscellaneous office stationery/equipment.
§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
On what date consultations took place with the Northern Ireland political parties before the exchange of letters with the Irish Government of 19 November 2002, which replaced the North/South Ministerial Council arrangements.[HL2738]
§ Lord Williams of Mostyn:There were no consultations with Northern Ireland political parties on the content of the exchanges of notes between the British and Irish Governments on 19 November 2002.