§ Lord Lairdasked Her Majesty's Government:
Who authorised the change of reporting funding requirements in December 2003 for the Ulster-Scots Agency; on what basis; and why no explanation for the change was offered to the agency when it was requested. [HL1629]
§ The Lord President of the Council (Baroness Amos)The department had to ensure that the agency did not breach government accounting principles by ending the financial year with a surplus in its account, or by receiving funding in advance of need. There was therefore no change in policy.
In line with government accounting processes, this matter was discussed with the chief executive of the Ulster-Scots Agency.