HL Deb 05 March 2003 vol 645 cc118-20WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What percentage of Northern Ireland Arts Council funding allocations announced on 25 February went to Irish groups and how much to Ulster Scots groups. [HL18721

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

Of the funding allocations announced by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland on 25 February, 3 per cent went to Irish language oganisations and 1 per cent to Ulster Scots organisations. There were no rejections in either sector: all applications received were funded.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Why in the press release from the Northern Ireland Arts Council announcing funding applications of 25 February Altnaveigh House Cultural Society is listed under "Derry City"; and why it is not called Londonderry City. [HL1873]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland in its press release of 25 February listed a number of grant recipients under "Derry City". The heading should have read "Derry City Council area". The council regrets this error and has undertaken to ensure that it is not repeated in future.

The council also regrets listing Altnaveigh House Cultural Society under this heading as it is in fact located in Newry and Mourne District Council area.