§ Mr. FlightTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what estimate he has made of the cost of setting up the National Assembly of Wales(a) for its first year of operation and (b) for subsequent years. [82658]
§ Mr. Michael[holding answer 5 May 1999]: 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 within the Explanatory and Financial Memorandum to the Government of Wales Bill and which will be balanced by savings in the budgets of Welsh quangos. This estimate covers not only the pay and allowances of Assembly Members but also the costs of providing for the accommodation and IT requirements of the Assembly and the costs of additional support staff.