HL Deb 12 May 2003 vol 648 cc1-2WA
Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 2 April (WA132) concerning the budgets of the implementation bodies, which Unionist political adviser approved the three-year cut to the Language Body's budget; when and in what form was the approval; and whether they consider that changing the budgets for three years constitutes care and maintenance as accepted by the Ulster Unionist Party in order to keep the bodies working during the suspension of the Northern Ireland Executive. [HL2440]

The Lord Privy Seal (Lord Williams of Mostyn)

No Unionist political adviser was asked to approve the budget for the North/South Language Body. It is not for the Government to comment on Ulster Unionist Party's understanding of these matters.

Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government

Further to the Written Answer by the Lord Privy Seal on 2 April (WA132) concerning the budgets of the implementation bodies, when the cuts to the Language Body's budget were announced by the government of the Republic of Ireland; in what form was the announcement; whether the Irish Parliament was informed; and, if so, when and how. [HL2441]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Announcements by the Irish Government are a matter for the Irish Government.

Lord Laird asked Her Majesty's Government

What consultations they had with the Republic of Ireland's Department for Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs before that department answered a written question in the Irish Parliament on 3 December 2002 and outlined a cut of 16 per cent in the Government's contribution to the Language Implementation Body. [HL2474]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The prospect of a reduction in the provision for the North/South Language Body was discussed at a meeting on 11 September 2002 of officials of the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs, the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure and representatives of the Body. Details were not mentioned as the estimates process was not yet completed. Officials in the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure were advised on 12 November that the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs 2003 provision for the North/South Language Body would be £7.82 million compared to £8.27 million in 2002 Estimates Volume. The Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs advised the body of this a few days later.