HL Deb 03 September 1998 vol 593 cc44-5WA
Lord Norton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will provide a detailed breakdown of the costs of (a) the Asia-Europe meeting, (b) the European Conference and (c) the Cardiff European Council showing the sponsorship monies donated and the support provided in kind in each case. [HL3272]

Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean

(a) The latest forecast cost of the arrangements made by the FCO for the Asia-Europe meeting is £5.4 million (excluding VAT). This breaks down as follows:

£
Summit venue costs 2.9m
Hotel Accommodation 0.1m
Security Staff and equipment 0.03m
Transport 0.4m
Media Facilities 1.3m
Administrative and other costs 0.67m
Total 5.4m
Cash sponsorship 158,000
In-kind sponsorship 276,000
Total 434,000
Total ASEM Cost less sponsorship 4.97m

(b) Expenditure on the European Conference was £1.2 million (excluding VAT) and was not sponsored in cash or in-kind. A breakdown of this figure can be provided only at disproportionate cost.

(c) The latest forecast cost of the arrangements made by the FCO for the European Council in Cardiff is £6.5 million (excluding VAT).

Cash sponsorship for the European Council was £33,333.

In-kind sponsorship for the European Council was £239,428.

A breakdown of the costs for the European Council can, at present, only be provided at disproportionate cost.