HL Deb 07 July 2003 vol 651 cc2-3WA
Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have sought legal advice since 15 October 2002 on the validity of any decisions taken by the North/South Ministerial Council; if so, on which decisions they have sought advice; what were their reasons for this; and whether they will place a copy of this advice in the Library of the House. [HL3278]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The information requested is exempt from disclosure under Exemption 2 (Internal Discussion and Advice) of theCode of Practice on Access to Government Information.

Lord Laird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, in reaching a decision on 11 June concerning future increases for the salaries of staff in Raphoe, the North/South Ministerial Council followed paragraphs 5 and 6 of its decision-making procedure dated 5 December 2002; and, if so, on what date was the consultation with the Ulster-Scots Agency. [HL34991

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Representatives of the two sponsoring departments and the North/South Language Body attended a facilitation meeting on Wednesday 12 March 2003 at which the issue of staffing for the Donegal office was discussed. This was in keeping with paragraph 5 of the decision-making procedure dated 5 December 2002.

There was no specific consultation on the provisions relating to future salary increases. This is a standard arrangement which had already been agreed in respect of other North/South bodies.