§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Further to the Written Answer by the Lord President on 16 October (WA 126), how the budget for the North/South Ministerial Council was agreed under the agreement contained in the exchange notes between the two Governments dated 19 November 2002 if the issue of proportionality was not discussed with the Ulster Scots Agency. [HL5025]
§ Baroness AmosThe budget for the North/South Ministerial Council is not subject to agreement under the arrangements contained in the exchange notes between the two Governments dated 19 November 2002. Budgets for North/South implementation bodies are subject to these arrangements. The arrangements contained in the exchange notes between the two Governments do not require proportionality to be discussed.