§ Sir John Biggs-DavisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the transfer of residual funds from the Irish Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust has been completed; to what extent this has benefited, or will benefit, the Royal National Lifeboat Institution in the island of Ireland; and if he will convey to Mr. Charles Haughey the appreciation of Her Majesty's Government of his interest in the matter.
§ Mrs. ChalkerThe first (and major) tranche of surplus funds from the Irish Sailors' and Soldiers' Land Trust, £4.5 million, has been distributed in accordance with the 1987 Act. The distribution of the Irish Government's share is a matter for that Government, but I understand that they plan to pass a portion of the money to the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (Ireland). I am happy to record the appreciation of Her Majesty's Government at this development.