§ Mr. EvansTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what were the operational costs of running his private office in(a) 1995–96 and (b) 1996–97; and what estimate he has made of the costs in (i) 1997–98 (ii) 1998–99 and (iii) 1999–2000. [20098]
§ Mr. Ron DaviesCosts vary with levels of Ministerial activity and time spent between London and Cardiff. The cost of Ministerial private offices in the Welsh Office was £724,230 in 1995–96 and £720,625 in 1996–97.
Some £483,000 has been expended in 1997–98 to the end of November. The cost for the remainder of the year will reflect the nature and scale of Ministerial commitments.
Budgets for 1998–99 have yet to be determined. For 1999–2000 budgets will take account of the role of the Secretary of State following the establishment of the National Assembly for Wales.