§ 26. Mr. WilkinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what is his current estimate of(a) the capital cost and (b) the running cost of the Welsh National Assembly in its first year of operation. [85181]
§ Mr. MichaelThe capital cost of providing temporary and permanent accommodation for the National Assembly for Wales is estimated at £17 million to £20 million, although this estimate must be regarded as provisional until the final design for the new building is agreed.
We are continuing to plan within the overall estimate of £15 million to £20 million for the annual additional running costs of the Assembly which was contained with the explanatory and financial memorandum to the Government of Wales Bill and which will be balanced by savings in the budgets of Welsh quangos; our latest detailed estimate for 1999–2000 is £19.2 million.
Following the transfer of functions on 1 July, this issue will be a matter for the National Assembly.